Shear Madness at The Mill at Sonning | Review
A visit to The Mill at Sonning is always something to be warmly anticipated because one knows that one is going to enjoy it. Not only the show, more of that later, but the welcoming atmosphere, ambience and… the meal beforehand! New caterers have recently been appointed, and, however good the food was before, it is now even better. The trouble with eating a scrumptious meal immediately before visiting the theatre is that one needs to see the sort of play or musical which is undemanding so that one eventually leaves the building feeling well-entertained and that all is right with the world!
Shear Madness is that sort of play, and obviously much enjoyed by the audience at the performance I was lucky enough to attend. Written as long ago as 1963 as an “interactive mystery” by the German playwright Paul Poertner, it was transformed into a comedy by the American producers Bruce and Marilyn Abrams in the late 1970s, since when it has been staged with great success in more than thirty countries and translated into nearly as many languages.
Shear Madness is a murder mystery in which the audience becomes part of the investigation, helping to determine the outcome each night. This works very well in the intimate Mill Theatre because no one is more than six rows from the stage. No two performances are ever the same, especially as the script is refreshed with topical and local references. Now, unlike some “Interactive” shows with audience participation, no one HAS to take part – you can just watch and listen if you wish, and the cast is very adept at ensuring that no member of the audience “takes over” or is allowed to ask too many questions!
The plot is very straightforward: the setting being the “Shear Madness Salon” in Henley On Thames, peopled by two stylists and four customers. Someone is murdered upstairs and two of the customers turn out to be police officers! Seeing that they do not seem to be having much luck in solving the murder, the houselights go up and members of the audience are asked to try to solve the case, since they have seen everything that has happened. The result is totally delightful and cleverly controlled by the cast, who contrive to steer the story in the right direction, even when the audience wants it to go another way!
Sally Hughes, the director, or perhaps referee would be a better title, rehearsed the play with an audience present at times, so that the actors would get used to thinking on their feet, never quite knowing what might be suggested, and it is quite surprising what attention theatregoers actually pay to the detail of the story!
Alex Marker has designed a bright pink set, very apt for Henley on Thames, Graham Weymouth has produced some very bright, cheerful lighting and Natalie Titchener has produced some eye-catching costumes. Lana’s Hair Studio even came in and taught the cast how to style hair on stage so that it looks natural and Debbie McGee is also credited, though I am not sure why!
The result is a hugely enjoyable piece of theatre: something which is also most unusual and WORKS! However, none of this would have been possible were it not for the highly talented cast assembled, who just take everything in their stride and are never fazed: Rosaleen Burton, Daniel Cane, Gwithian Evans, Jonathan Markwood, Natalie Ogle and Paul O’Neill.
Great fun and very highly recommended: ideal relaxing, summer entertainment (until 15 August)! Oh, and did I mention the meal beforehand?
REview by John Groves
Set in the lively and offbeat Shear Madness hair salon, the day begins like any other, full of eccentric clients and colourful banter. But everything turns upside down when the mysterious woman upstairs is found murdered, and suddenly, everyone’s a suspect! Who had the motive? Who had the opportunity? And who’s hiding something in plain sight?
That’s where YOU come in.
Armed with sharp wit and a keen eye for detail, the audience works alongside the characters, following the trail of clues, laughing through the chaos, and questioning suspects live on stage. Every twist, alibi, and outrageous revelation is shaped by the audience’s choices, leading to a different ending every night. It’s an irresistibly clever mix of classic murder mystery, fast-paced improv, and laugh-out-loud comedy that keeps you guessing, and giggling, until the very end.
Barbara McMarley – Rosaleen Burton
Tony Whitcomb – Daniel Cane
Mike Thomas – Gwithian Evans
Edward Lawrence – Jonathan Markwood
Mrs Shubert – Natalie Ogle
Nick O’Brien – Paul O’Neill
Written by Paul Pörtner
Director – Sally Hughes
Set Designer – Alex Marker
Costume & Hair Designer – Natalie Titchener
Lighting Design – Graham Weymouth
Sound Design – Henry Horn
Casting Director – Kate Plantin
SHEAR MADNESS
The Mill at Sonning
25 June to 15 August 2026