The first murder

1154, Oseney Priory, Oxford. When the first performance of The Play of Adam ends in tragedy, the author pens a grim warning for the generations that follow: 'Beware the sins of envy and vainglory, else foul murder ends your story' But his words are not heeded, and throughout the ages, bad luck follows all those involved in the play's production. 1199. A snow storm diverts two parties of travellers to the market town of Carmarthen, where an enigmatic stranger suggests a staging of the play. But on the eve of the performance, the actor chosen to play Cain is found dead. 1361. When the play is…