A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder is a raunchy, rowdy musical about a young man who, after the death of his mother, realizes that he is eighth in line for the Earldom of Highhurst. Realizing his D’ysquith heritage, he sets out to shorten the line and wrest the title for himself. Adapted from the 1907 novel The Autobiography of the Criminal by Roy Horniman, the play debuted on Broadway in late 2013, and quickly became a smash hit, winning four Tony awards in 2014. 

For potentially the first time ever, the musical is coming to Peterborough thanks to the St. James Players— local community group based out of St James United Church, on Romaine and Aylmer. With an exceptionally talented cast, and an award-winning script, the show is a must see event, especially in the midst of our bland Ontarian February. 

When I called the cast talented, I’m not speaking solely of their theatrical talents (which are, again, exceptional). Among them, they have three doctors, some nurses, some physicians, ex-kinesiologists, and even some non-medical careers, including a quality surveyor for  nuclear equipment. 

When asked about the prominence of medical workers in the play, Vira, a member of the ensemble, grimly noted “More than ever, professionals in the healthcare system need an outlet,” which garnered a battered murmur of assent from the room. For many of those involved in theatre, it’s a hobby and social event for them, a fun escape. When the St. James players were founded in 1972, that was the purpose. 

Fred Batley, President of the board of directors, spoke of its roots. “When it was formed, it was something for them [the congregation] to do.” They have traditionally had a spring play, and a fall play, but this year is their first winter play. They use their passion for the arts to entertain as an outlet, but also as entertainment for both themselves and the audience. 

For many of those who are in the play, it’s their first time on stage, though it doesn’t show in the performances in any way. In fact, I think their enthusiasm may have even improved the experience. I think it grounds the play, and adds a human characteristic to it. In my rather exhaustive interviews with most of those involved, I didn’t run into any of those pretentious artsy types — which as an English Lit major I feel qualified to gauge. As I stood awkwardly stumbling over my questions as I warmed up my journalism, they jumped in with witty jokes, and gave plenty of wonderful quotes and encouragement. 

There was a down to Earth warmth in conversation with them, and plenty of joking around, actors quoting some of their lines at each other. Vira, herself one of those who it was the first time on stage, mimicked my sentiment “Everyone is so talented and welcoming.” Their jolly nature carried through even to the night of play. From my seat in the balcony, I could see the director and sound crew self-deprecatingly laughing at themselves when a wrong light, or incorrect mic started up.  

My personal favourite part of the play was the plethora of D’Ysquith members played by Dr. Tyler Brown. Not only did he play most of my favourite characters, he was also the primary vocalist on my three favourite songs: “Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun,” “Better with a Man,” and “I Don’t Understand the Poor.” He brings a flair and charm to all his characters, and does an admirable job of making the audience want the D’Ysquith dead, while still enjoying every moment they still walk the Earth.  I loved his performance so much that at intermission, I quickly googled what an anaesthesiologist does to make a mediocre joke to my friend about how I hope he’d be my practitioner if I suffered a terrible accident. 

The Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, by the St. James players, was, to put it frankly, a hoot. A musical with some amazing songs, wonderful performances, and immense charm. The innuendo filled play is wonderful, and I highly suggest that any reader goes and sees it if possible. The St. James players put on a few plays a year, and their upcoming play in May is Disney’s The Little Mermaid. For those interested in their future works, you can find the information either on their Instagram @st_jamesplayerptbo, and on their website, at stjamesplayers.ca. 

As a side note, I’ve begun listening to the original Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder soundtrack on Spotify, and St. James has better music and vocals. Broadway doesn’t have shit on Aylmer Street.