From Cue to Clue: A Show That’s Murderously Funny

Victoria Coward plays Sister Vivian in Habit of Murder, which is playing at Theatre Tillsonburg May 29- June 1 and June 5-8. (Contributed Photo)

Jennifer Anger-Jull, Tillsonburg Post Contributor

In a town where everyone knows everyone and suspects them too, ‘Habit of Murder’ is Theatre Tillsonburg’s latest riotous whodunit that’ll leave you laughing, not looking over your shoulder.

When a human skeleton is found in the wall of the United Baptist Church, Sister Vivian Salter is called in to unravel the mystery. As she coaxes the town to give up its secrets, she butts heads with the local officer, nursing staff, farmhands, and an eccentric mute who claims he convenes with spirits. No one seems to be missing and the locals want to focus on enjoying their recent Hockey Championship win. The case tests Sister Vivian's spiritual strength as she tries to determine who and what to believe. The more she digs, the more ghosts, murderers and memories she unearths.

Directed by Joe Sheik, this small-town comedy with a murder mystery twist brings everything audiences love about live theatre: big characters, sharp dialogue, and unexpected twists.

“This play has all the elements I love to work with when directing,” said Sheik. “It’s Canadian, it resonates in terms of message, it balances drama with comedy and it’s technically challenging, which makes it rewarding for both the team and the audience.”

From first-time performers to seasoned veterans, and from high school tech assistants to industry-trained professionals, the cast and crew of “Habit of Murder” have built more than a play, they’ve built a family.

“The amount of support and love that was given to me as a first-time actor at Theatre Tillsonburg was crazy,” said Darla Enns. “It is truly a team effort.”

The story may be fictional, but the connections are real.

“I didn’t realize my life was missing theatre until I took the leap back in,” said Adelle Greenwood. “The people I’ve met and the things I’ve learned have inspired me greatly in my daily life. I’m so thankful for Theatre Tillsonburg and the family it has given me.”

Even offstage, the spotlight shines. Stage Manager Sabrina Janzen brings university-honed technical expertise to the production, helping Theatre Tillsonburg expand its capabilities.

“Sabrina has been a welcome, talented, and knowledgeable addition,” said Assistant Director Kelly Verhoeve. “She’s mentoring others and always has a warm smile to greet you. We’ve also loved seeing our high school volunteers, like Aiden and Harmony, step up and learn more about what it takes to bring a show like this to life.”

This production has pushed Theatre Tillsonburg into exciting new territory with its technical ambitions, transforming a cozy community theatre into a fully immersive murder mystery setting, complete with special lighting, immersive sound design, and a meticulously crafted set.

“This show challenged us in the best way,” said Sheik. “From the timing of lighting effects to the layers of sound cues, and the complexity of the set changes, it’s been a full creative workout.”

Under Janzen’s stage management, precise blackouts, timed lighting shifts, and haunting music land perfectly.

The immersive sound design draws the audience deeper into the mystery, with everything from thunder and fire to eerie church music painting an audio-rich experience.

The set, too, is practically a character. Designed with layered intrigue and multiple play spaces including a creepy church basement, choir loft, outdoor campfire, and a modest nursing home. The stage transforms Theatre Tillsonburg into a suspicious slice of small-town Canada.

Add in a collection of props ranging from hazmat suits to a possibly cursed skeleton (last seen at cue-to-cue, now suspiciously missing), and it’s clear that no detail was left to chance.

In short, “Habit of Murder” isn’t just a show, it’s a handcrafted theatrical experience, built from the ground up by artists, techs, and creatives working together like a well-oiled (and possibly criminal) machine.

“Habit of Murder”, is a hilarious and cleverly-written Canadian comedy-mystery by Joanne Miller. Produced by Jeff and Sheila Tripp, this is one production that’s got everyone talking and laughing.

“Habit of Murder” is packed with quirky twists, lovable oddballs, and just the right amount of absurdity. It’s a small-town story with big laughs, where the only thing more suspicious than the murder… is how much fun you’ll have.