In a tatty provincial theatre Fecund is being staged. This comedy introduces us to those involved: from the stage manager (with a blinding hangover); to the leading actors (from the bitter to the plain incompetent) and others. The second act focuses on the audience, an equally mixed group.
Set against the backdrop of a charity bicycle ride, the play explores the dynamics among the quirky members of the Muncaster Philanthropists. As tensions rise, Robin navigates conflicts with Wolf and Derek, while attempting to manipulate Gerard into participating. Amidst the chaos, a security guard raises alarms about suspicious activities, and an unexpected dog attack disrupts the event. Ultimately, the gathering devolves into disarray, leaving only the enigmatic Krystel amidst shadowy figures, highlighting the absurdity of their well-intentioned efforts.
Set against the backdrop of the Sherlock Holmes Society's annual congress, the story unfolds with Rodney and George preparing for a dramatic presentation. The plot thickens when George finds Rodney's financial director, dressed as Moriarty, dead in a cupboard. Rodney's admission of guilt is complicated by others claiming the same. The situation escalates when the supposedly dead body reanimates and hands a suicide note to Inspector Jobling, all while music from The Pirates of Penzance plays, creating a humorous and chaotic atmosphere.
Born in 1879, Mr Snelgrove originated from Sutton Veny, near Warminster where his father was a blacksmith. He was educated at Culham College, Oxford and Bristol University. Mr Snelgrove became an assistant master at Weston-super-Mare Central School for Boys in 1900. In 1909 he became headmaster and in 1914 was appointed Inspector of Schools for Somerset Education Committee, a position he held for 31 years. After several years as an evening student at Bristol University Mr Snelgrove went to Queen's University, Belfast, as a graduate. In 1907 he took an honours science degree in physics and chemistry and in 1920 was awarded a M.Sc. degree for research on the etiology of the then named "Isle of Wight Disease of Bees". As a result of his research in Latin literature relating to Roman Bee Lore he obtained his MA degree in 1922. This volume is a copy of a previously unpublished typescript dated 1922 based on his MA research which was presented by his daughter Miss I Snelgrove to the IBRA (Biographical information taken from Somerset Beekeepers and Beekeeping Associations by David Charles 2005)