A Murder is Announced

An announcement in the local paper states the time and place when a murder is to occur in Miss Blacklock's Victorian house. Is the victim one of the house's several occupants, or an unexpected and unknown visitor? What follows is a classic Christie puzzle of mixed motives, concealed identities, a second death, a determined Inspector grimly following the twists and turns, and Miss Marple on hand to provide the final solution at some risk to herself in a dramatic confrontation just before the final curtain.

I do enjoy my visits to Rustington Players' productions as their plays are always interesting and this murder mystery must be added to one of my favourites. As the action unfolded I was constantly revising my opinion of who would be the culprit at the end.

Their scenery is always top class and this was no exception, I love looking at it and seeing the attention to detail in both the actual physical scenery and in the use of the props. It is this attention to detail that elevates their productions.  Costumes were appropriate to the period, the lighting and sound were also right for the action and the choice of music was exceedingly clever helping to build tension and expectation between scenes.

The cast all played their parts well and their projection and diction were impeccable, clearly delivered and audible at all times.  This is a small company but it has some talented actors and directors and this production gave some of them the chance to display their skills.   Every member of the cast gave good performances but some positively ‘shone’ with excellence. Jane Vrettos as Miss Marple was outstanding.  This is a part that everyone knows and Jane performed it exactly as we all visualise this personality, with the correct facial expressions, knowing looks and walk and stance.  Martin Sworn was exactly right as Inspector Craddock the poor overstretched police officer, always one step behind the indomitable Miss Marple. He really looked and sounded the part. Helen Chewter as Letitia Blacklock was every inch the ‘lady of the house’ showing a calm exterior, total control of her household and the command of most situations and in complete contrast Nadya Henwood as Mitzi the maid was frenetic and slightly crazy changing the tempo of the scene every time she appeared on stage. All the performers gave good characterisations of their very varied parts enabling the story line to build and finalise leaving us all wondering why we had failed to see the obvious.

The plotline was quickly and effectively established thanks to excellent direction. I always enjoy this company’s productions and look forward to the next one. Well done everyone.

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