Theatre / Bloody Murder, written by Ed Sala, directed by Josh Wiseman. At Canberra Rep Theatre, Acton, until December 7. Reviewed by LEN POWER.

One of the reasons murder mysteries are so popular with audiences, is that they follow certain conventions.

There is usually a murder at a remote location, followed swiftly by a second murder. The remaining recognisable character types then start suspecting each other until a surprising finale when all is revealed.

However, in Ed Sala’s play, those characters suddenly decide that they have had enough of playing variations on the same characters in conventional murder mystery storylines and rebel against the writer.

Where it goes from there, I won’t reveal, but your expectations will be turned upside down in this clever, entertaining and head-spinning comedy.

Antonia Kitzel plays the formidable Lady Somerset. Glenn Brighenti is her nephew Charles, who will inherit the Somerset fortune if she dies. Arran McKenna is the boring old Major, barking loudly about his past war experiences. Holly Ross is the fragile and innocent Emma Reese and Stuart Roberts is the alcoholic, once famous actor. Steph Roberts is the saucy and slovenly maid, Jane.

Then there is the Countess In Red, a mysterious Mr Who, Chief Inspector Phelps, a passing Motorist asking for help, the weirdly foreign El Gato and a late-night Nun collecting for charity.

This strong cast of six bring these clichéd characters vividly to life. There is no hint of satire in their playing, making them much funnier. Everyone displays a fine sense of comic timing, making every line count as the plot moves at a furious speed.

Considerable thought has gone into the effective design of the set by the director and the delightfully apt costume designs by Suzan Cooper. Lighting by Nathan Sciberras and sound by Neville Pye are crucial elements of the plot requiring razor-sharp operations by both crews. It all worked perfectly on the opening night.

Director Josh Wiseman has brought every element of this smart play skilfully together. Canberra Rep usually present a fun and enjoyable end-of-year show. This very funny play and its highly effective production make this one of the most memorable.