How lucky are we to have such a great range of theatres in our county? From the vast splendour of the New Theatre to intimacy of the Burton Taylor, we have access to a wide range of theatrical experiences.

The Theatre Chipping Norton may not have the high profile of the Oxford theatres but it is still able to pack a theatrical punch. It is an utterly charming period space with good front of house space and a varied programming style that offers something for everyone.

Murder for Two is an ambitious small scale musical and one that will be going out on tour round the UK for the next couple of months including a visit to nearby Newbury.

Created by Joe Kinosian and Kellen Blair, it is comic murder mystery set in a small New England town where a famous author is gunned down at his surprise birthday party. To say more would be to give away too much. But it is a well constructed pastiche plot that will keep you guessing.

The amazing part of this piece is that there are only two performers who play about a dozen roles between them. Or to put it more accurately, Elliot Clay plays the Detective and Lucy Keirl plays all the other characters. Between them they also play the piano throughout. It is a dazzling combination of physicality and musicality that leaves the audience breathless at times.

Keirl switches character with ease and high energy. Her physical transformation is incredible that means each character emerges fully formed each time. Clay may only play one character but he is not outshone as he captures the essence of a young cop beautifully.

Both performers are accomplished singers and pianists meaning that the musical side of the production is of the highest standard throughout.

The lighting and sound design compliments the actors and action in a similarly accomplished fashion.

My only qualm, and it is a minor one, is that the score is not hugely memorable. It is absolutely entertaining in the moment. It is largely a series of pastiche numbers encompassing everything from Sondheim to 80s pop. The lyrics are very cleverly written and do well to convey character and plot development.

But a few hours on, there is not one tune that has stayed with me. This did not impact on my overall enjoyment of what is a fun night out at the theatre.

The Theatre Chipping Norton are to be commended for their ambition and high quality and whilst the opening run is nearly at an end, it is absolutely worth catching on tour.