A Murder Is Announced

What better way to spend a cold rainy afternoon than to try and solve a classic Agatha Christie murder mystery before Miss Marple reveals all the answers? 

The impressive single set, designed by Anna Cierpial was the epitome of a late 1940’s drawing-room of a large Victorian house and Lee Jennings’ lighting design worked perfectly with music and sound effects adding to the atmosphere. The costume department added authenticity to the 1940’s era right down to the right style of shoes!

Letitia Blacklock has some friends and relatives staying with her at her home, Little Paddocks, when they read an announcement in the paper that a murder will take place at 6.30 that evening in her home. Neighbours, and Miss Marple, who have seen the advert also turn up, curious to see what will happen. At the appointed hour the lights suddenly go out, there are gunshots and when the lights come back on, sure enough there is a body but is this going to be the only murder? Of course as the plot evolves there are red herrings and information designed to make you think as to who the murderer might be. 

What a strong cast this was. Jean Erxleben as Dora (Bunny) Bunner- Letitia’s friend, is a highlight, perfect at being absent minded and anxious. Another standout performance came from Caroline Fenton as Mitzi  the cook/housekeeper, her facial expressions and actions brought out the comedy of this part, a relief to the serious happenings going on in the house. Fiona Young as Miss Marple, for me, looked too young to be the wise old spinster that one expects but that’s just my preconception of the character. However, Fiona gave an excellent portrayal of the amateur sleuth. Emma Harrison as Letitia Blacklock was a poised and calm typical English Lady. Who would have believed what was to come!  David Adams as Inspector Craddock and David Smith as Detective Mellors gave us typical down-to-earth police officers. Other supporting parts were Charlotte Butterworth (Mrs Swettenham), Jack Stevens (Edmund Swettenham), Michael Sutherland (Patrick Simmons), Hettie Rockell (Julia Simmons) and Jo Dixon (Phillipa Haymes) . They all played believable characters who  had their own agendas and any one of them could have been the murderer. 

Director Helen Thorpe created an excellent show, bringing out the intrigue and comedy, a job made easier, I’m sure, with such a good cast and crew. 

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