It seems that Mr Noakes’s reputation of having a lot of money might not be true as his complicated financial dealings start to emerge.  Local police constable Sellon (Luke Barton) was paying him £5 every week after his wife needed special treatment. In 1936 Hertfordshire the house cost £650.  Miss Agnes Twitterton (Helen Bang), Noakes’s niece is his sole heir and expects to inherit.  Completing the honeymoon party is Wimsey’s butler cum valet Mr Bunter (George Tefler). 

Do you remember the era when everyone was known by their title, Mrs This and Mr That and Miss Thing?  There is no sense of impending war in Sayers’s play although there are maybe hints of a recovery from the recession.  Gracie Field’s song “The Largest Aspidistra in the World” introduces the house plants on set. People are costumed with appropriate style and the house is furnished in period although there will be people at the door trying to claim the furniture to pay off Noakes’s debts. 

The first act sets up the exciting denouement for the second which I was unable to predict but it wasn’t so ridiculous as some of the “Jonathan Creek” conclusions.  The murder weapon is cleverly uncovered in this very satisfying concluding act.  I particularly liked Kate Tydman’s performance as Harriet, a woman with a good brain and a good fit for her monocled husband.  The ensemble cast are strong and Mr Blessed must have drilled them into submission.  I’d love to have been at a rehearsal. 

The Mill at Sonning is such a perfect setting, it is wonderful that it has survived the pandemic to bring us memorable evenings of a delicious supper and intriguing drama.  Next up is the Neil Simon play Barefoot in the Park.