For 2012, The Fringe Files showcased brand new comedy farce The Cook Did It!, written by British playwright Michael Starr and directed collectively by the group.
The once thriving Old Barn Country Hotel plays host to an unwanted spate of sinister deaths. However, nobody is convicted, public interest quickly wanes and the cases are filed away as unsolved. Cue Jenkins, a local video store clerk and keen amateur detective, who believes he has unravelled a pattern linking the victims. Jenkins undertakes the task of identifying the killer armed with notes written on a collection of multi-coloured post-it pads. Unfortunately events soon take a turn for the worse and suspicion becomes rife amongst the guests. Suddenly everybody has something to hide, except the cook, who’s really nice.
Rehearsals took place at The Nog Inn, Wincanton (July to October, 2012). Performances venues included the Woking Drama Festival (October 11th, 2012), The Memorial Hall, Wincanton (November 3rd, 2012) & The Drawbridge, Bristol (November 4th, 2012)
For this production The Fringe Files welcomed new members Ian Tapner, Gordon Watson, Jenny Ball, Nathalie Eeckhout, Adam Holland and Lauren Bowen. Quintin Mitchell and Arianne Wolodarsky both returned. Founder and patron Michael Starr and graphic illustrator Jeff Haas completed the line-up.
To view all blog entries relating to this production, click here.
This production received three award nominations. These were for “Best lighting" for Gordon Watson (nominated), “Best male actor” for Michael Starr's performance as Jenkins (nominated) & "Best new stage play" (nominated).