Detective Devaroe and The Haldon House Heist

Full-Lengths

By: Charlotte Nixon
Cast: 7 M, 4 F, 8 flexible
Performance Time: Approximately 60-75 minutes, 64 pgs

COMEDY/MURDER-MYSTERY. Detective Devaroe is certain a thief has hidden diamonds somewhere in Haldon House, the home of Lady Emily, a wealthy socialite. However, three bumbling constables—who won’t stop touching Lady Emily’s belongings and eating her hors d’oeuvres—find nothing. Though there’s not a shred of evidence to connect Haldon House to the stolen diamonds, Devaroe declares, “The game is afoot!” and convinces his assistant, Dr. Delaney, that they must attend Lady Emily’s Mysterious Masquerade Party to search for suspects. But, first, they must get past three footmen tasked with making sure all attendees are on the guest list. Devaroe disguises himself as an “elderly gentleman,” while Delaney prefers a vampire and pirate costume. Once inside, Devaroe and Delaney encounter two practical jokers and a woman who compulsively overeats when she gets nervous. Then when the entertainment fails to show, the butler and maid are forced to serenade guests by playing water glasses and spoons. Suspects include a French diplomat, a Scottish Colonel, and a Texas rancher. Audiences will roll in the aisles with laughter, and there’s a scene-stealer for everyone in the cast! Easy to stage with one simple set.

Freeviews: To read play excerpts click here.

Charlotte Nixon is an actor, director, designer, filmmaker, and playwright. She has a BFA in Dramatic Performance from the University of Lethbridge, a MED in Community Learning from the University of Calgary, and is a member of the Alberta Playwright’s Network and the Playwrights Guild of Canada.