Salisbury Fringe: Catchpenny's Digestibles tale of crime and rhyme

Catchpenny's Digestibles took place at the Ox Row Inn on Saturday, October 7.

Devised and written by Tom Roberts, former business editor of the Bournemouth Echo, the idea for the 18th century printer, Ebenezer Catchpenny came while he was reading an old quiz book. 

Writer Tom Roberts (Image: Tom Roberts)He read about the missing days which occurred during the change from the Julian calendar to the current Gregorian calender. 

Tom said: "It led to me wondering what might happen during those missing days and it became a project for myself."

Fraser Wilson in Catchpenny's Digestibles (Image: Annette J Beveridge)Read more: Salisbury Fringe- a weekend of creativity

Tom utilised his interests in printing, publishing and playwriting to create an amusing if not deadly, tale set in the 1700s. 

Present throughout the performance, he admitted: "I was nervous but once we got the first laugh, I relaxed."

The audience learned about the good for nothing husband, and the frustrated wife who was pushed to the brink to kill him. 

Lasting an hour, the tale was narrated by Frasor Wilson who skilfully navigated between characters, hats and accents and the audience warmed to the story which was told through fast-paced rhyme. 

The narration was interspersed by the beautiful voice of Samantha Singer as she performed various songs throughout and the event led to an interesting, unique tale with some great performances.