It's too darn bad that the Peninsula Players and Pebbles Restaurant dinner dramas don't run for a longer time period.
Their 10th production, Guilty Conscience, which opened March 24 is on again tonight, April 1, and tomorrow, April 2, before it closes. Traditionally, the plays are light hearted and entertaining, complement the excellent five-course meal and are definitely worth the $39 package price. Because I attended a dress rehearsal instead of the scheduled show, I can't vouch for the quality of the meal, but I can say that the drama is one of the better scripts selected for this amateur theatre group. It's a tightly woven, dark comedy written by Richard Levinson and William Link with plot complexities that keep the audience riveted to their seats. It is directed by Peninsula Players' veteran Sue Carson. A lawyer husband, performed by Derek Browning, schemes to murder his wife, (Marilyn Browning) in order to continue his philandering ways and lay hands on her money.
The fact that the two actors are married in real life adds an interesting dynamic to the show. While the husband ponders the various methods: shooting, poison, a fall down the cellar steps, etc., by discoursing on their pros and cons with the public prosecutor, played by Andrew Tkach, the wife has a few tricks of her own on hand. Events are spiced up by the addition of the attractive and clever mistress executed by Roberta Sainsbury. Without giving away the ending, this play would be of interest to women, especially vengeful ones. Both Derek and Marilyn Browning have appeared in many other productions, and their wealth of experience shows. Roberta Sainsbury and Andrew Tkach round out an excellent cast. Are there still tickets? It's doubtful, but call Pebbles Restaurant at 604-885-5811 to find out.