A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder
Roy Horniman could scarcely imagine that one of his books would be turned into a film and then a theatrical production. His novel, Israel Rank: The Autobiography of a Criminal (1907) was used as the basis of the screenplay of the 1949 comedy Kind Hearts and Coronets, which in turn inspired the 2013 Broadway musical currently showing at the Austin Playhouse.
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder, set in 1909 London, is a farcical and highly entertaining romp that would likely have delighted Agatha Christie, who had a profound interest in Edwardian theatre.
The star of the show is Bailey Ellis (my favourite local actor); he ‘cuts a rag’ with this book and lyrics by Robert L. Freedman. Ellis is usually just seen as an actor, but here he gets to showcase his singing talents, letting loose with catchy tunes while wearing a top hat. In between all this, he murders several members of an aristocratic family in order to assume his rightful inheritance as an Earl in the peerage of England. In essence, a seems like a perfectly fine way to advance ones’ status in life! The audience thinks so anyway, as no one sheds a tear as one after another relative of Montague Navarro (Ellis’ character) falls prey to his dastardly plot. I won’t reveal whether or not he ultimately succeeds.
In addition to an ensemble cast of six actors, Ellis has four foils to spar with as the plot develops: Sarah Manna, Sarah Zeringue, Bernadette Nason and Scott Shipman, who plays every member of the doomed aristocratic family. A tremendous performance on his part.
Just to prove the old girl still has legs, Horiman’s book was adapted this year into yet another film, How to Make a Killing. The fascination with upper-crust English murders never ends. Christie would be pleased.
This production is too good to miss! If you only pick one play to view this spring, make it this one.
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder is being performed thru May 17, 2026 at Austin Playhouse’s space at 405 W 22nd St, Austin. Plans are underway for a permanent home.
To help contribute to this worthy effort, visit their website www.austinplayhouse.com
Lead Photo: at curtain call, Ellis is centre stage with the cast.
Second photo by Steve Rogers Photography. Shipman (left) with Ellis.