A man who from birth has had more money than sense. He is facing a minor mid-life crisis. Age: Mid 50s. Pp 11-16, 52-55.

The family butler for many years, though convinced he is above being a butler - at least for this family. He is given to crying, and harbours a terrible secret. Age 40+. Pp 44-46, 71-75.

Matthew's wife. A classy, intelligent woman who loves her husband despite his many faults - and is always a step ahead of him. Age 50+. Pp 11-16, 52-55.

Matthew and Julia's sweet, but dim-witted and deeply shallow daughter. Age 20+. Pp 16-19, 25-28.

Bunny's fiancé. He is very earnest, and very much in love with Bunny, despite her lack of savvy. Age 20+. Pp 16-19, 25-28.

A witless detective. He was born 40 years too late, and read too many detective novels. He fancies himself a cynical gumshoe, but lacks the savvy to locate, let alone solve, a crime . Age range 30+. Pp 40-43, 49-52.

This zany comedy begins on New Year's Eve at the Perry's Mansion. Julia and Matthew seem to have it all, but Matthew wants something more - to be rid of his wife so he can have some fun. He resolves to murder Julia and tells her so. She vows to stay alive and tells him so. And so the game begins - a hilarious match of wits and witless. While Julia cleverly dodges his attempts, the Perry friends and staff are dying off mysteriously. Dimwitted daughter Bunny contemplates calling off her wedding to unwitting Donald because there won't be any gifts. Enter Detective Plotnik who suspects everyone, but hasn't a clue.

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Calling all members!

We are in desperate need of backstage crews. Prompts, properties, stage managers and stage hands. Without your help, it's really difficult to put on a successful show. All of these roles are extremely important (almost more so than the actors on stage).

As a full member, if you are unsuccessful at an audition in securing the acting role you were after in a production, please consider offering your services for one of the backstage roles instead.

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We have finally found a new local supplier to produce some garments that have our RaTman logo embroidered on them and samples of these garments have been worn at recent events by Committee members. If you wish to order items (t-shirts, polo shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, or fleeces) then please use this Order Form and return it to the bar where you can pay by cash or card. If opting to pay by BACS transfer, please use your surname and "_Clothing" (or something similar) as a reference.

These were very popular when they were offered previously, and are a great way to promote our theatre and an ideal gift! We look forward to seeing lots of them being worn around the theatre.

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You may use Stratford Lane to drop people off for the theatre but please do not use the resident's parking area.

May we remind patrons that parking is not permitted in Stratford Lane. The section of lane directly outside the theatre is an access road only.

In addition, you MUST NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, park in the paved parking spaces at the end of building which are allocated to the owners of the adjacent flats only.

• Patrons should also not park in front of the black gated entrance to the car park halfway up Stratford Lane. This is access for residents of the flats in the High Street.
• Patrons are advised to use the public car parks located at:
  • Rainham shopping centre,
  • behind the Cricketers pub, or
  • opposite the bottom of Mierscourt Road
• A few spaces are available in the JCB Citroën (formerly Hidson's) car park.
  This facility is only available for evening shows after the dealership closes at 6pm. Please ensure you only use marked bays.
• Please note that although some on-street parking may be found, many of the local roads have parking restrictions in place (permits required, restricted times and so on).

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We would like some assistance in getting the newsletters out to members. Although many members have moved across to having their newsletters delivered electronically, there are still approximately 150 that need to be delivered either by hand or post. This requires envelopes to be addressed and filled. If you can spare any time to help with this task (or with the delivery) then please contact Helen or Dean Caston.

If you would like to receive your newsletter electronically then please use the same link and tell us your name and preferred email address.

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• Our Front-of-House manager, Jo Godman, is looking for volunteers to work behind the bar either on show nights or on rehearsal evenings. She is also after Front of House staff. If you fancy pouring glasses of wine or selling programmes then please contact Jo at the theatre or email us at volunteer@oasthousetheatre.co.uk so that she can arrange some training for you on a rehearsal night.
• If pulling pints isn't your thing, how about the slightly less onerous task of pouring tea? We are also looking for members to go onto the tea bar rota during productions. You would need to arrive around 7:30pm and will generally be going home shortly after the interval, around 9:30. Again, please contact us at the theatre or via volunteer@oasthousetheatre.co.uk.

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The monitor in the foyer (by the bar) is available to promote future productions and events at the theatre. It is also available for advertising purposes if you know of any suitable companies or organizations.

Please contact Dean Caston for fees and details.

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