MURDER, Margaret and Me: with a title as tantalising as that, the next production at Ilkley Playhouse is sure to delight and thrill audiences.

Although the Playhouse is still buzzing with Literature Festival fever, behind the scenes the Ilkley Players are hard at work rehearsing and preparing for our next theatrical offering.

A comedy thriller, Murder, Margaret and Me by Philip Meeks is the perfect fit for an autumnal production. There is something about a mystery tale that makes you want to get cosy, hunker down and sink in to the story.

Meeks imagines how the relationship between Agatha Christie and Margaret Rutherford, two grandes dames of the 20th century art world, might have played out.

A match between two such strong and important women would always be of interest, but personal issues based on real life contribute an additional dimension of intrigue. Christie believed Rutherford was unsuitable for her mooted role as Christie’s creation Miss Marple. Rutherford herself, on the other hand, under pressure to take the role, considered the part woefully beneath her (and hated crime fiction to boot!).

This mischievous notion is played out respectfully, even as a deeper mystery unfolds. The fictional Christie turns detective to investigate the sadness beneath Rutherford’s jolly persona. It’s a character-driven play and an alluring, absorbing theatrical experience.

The Ilkley Literature Festival runs until October 15. Tickets are available from the Literature festival website.

Murder, Margaret and Me is at the Playhouse from November 1 to 11. Tickets are available at www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or from 01943 609 539.

by Claire Emmott