A Murder is Announced

A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie is a whodunnit with a complicated plot and a host of potential suspects.    The setting is Little Paddocks in Chipping Cleghorn where Miss Letitia Blacklock’s guests include  a widowed single mother, an elderly spinster and a brother and sister.    One morning, while reading the paper, one of the house-hold sees a notice giving details of the murder and from then on, we are in the familiar territory of false identity, red herrings and conspiracy.     Miss Marple, as one of the neighbours, helps Inspector Craddock to solve the murder, often with hilarious results.

The set was fabulous; and portrayed one room that had previously been two rooms (necessary for the plot).    It was sumptuously decorated, the walls with William Morris inspired print wallpaper, luxury rug, fireplace, wall-lights and chandelier.    There was good period detail, for example the clock on the mantlepiece, telephone and Inspector Craddock’s black police notebook.

The costumes were good and suited the characters ranging from the tweed suit of Miss Marple, police constable’s uniform for Sergeant Mellors and Mitzi’s housemaid’s traditional costume complete with gorgeous embroidery on her apron.  

The lighting was well controlled and timed in line with actors switching on lamps.   There was also a period of torchlight and darkness during which the murder was committed.  The gunshot made a lot of the audience jump – even though we had been expecting it!

There was good use of the relatively small stage and large cast.    There were some strong performances and well-defined characters.  However, it was noticeable that various characters were not always age appropriate.   That is a minor point in which was a very polished production.       Miss Marple had great mannerisms as the interfering spinster and, I found the direction odd regarding Inspector Craddock’s  delivery to the audience, rather than those on the stage.  Although not a comedy, this play had some great comic highlights and these were mainly provided by Natasha Gwillam as Mitzi.   This cosy murder mystery, with its complicated plot and complex relationships was an enjoyable evening of suspenseful escapism.    Well done to all, especially Vicky Rodd who, as well as directing, was on the stage in the role of Letitia Blacklock.

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