ST James Players performed the murder mystery play Sugar and Vice at St James Church in Taunton to raise money for Rail Responders.

The action was set in 1888 but was performed as a radio play from the more modern St James Street Studios, complete with working ‘On Air’ signs and period looking microphones.

The evening started with a buffet before the studio floor manager asked the audience to listen carefully to the clues before deciding for themselves who was the murderer.

The cast played the roles of the Davenport family of sweet manufacturers whose cook had been murdered for the secret recipe of their latest delicacy. The police inspector and newspaper reporter carried out interrogations until the culprit was revealed.

Following the performance, St James Players donated just over £800 to Taunton Rail Responders. This is a group of volunteers led by the Taunton Town Chaplaincy who patrol in and around Taunton Station to offer support to rail travellers experiencing a moment of crisis.

Working in partnership with the British Transport Police and Great Western Railway, their aim is to offer passengers a caring, listening and reassuring presence.

The Players then went ‘on tour’ for the first time ever, taking their studio and performance to St Georges Church in Wilton.

Proceeds from the evening went towards the expenses of the church during their time of vacancy.