A Murder is Announced

I have always enjoyed reading Agatha Christie books and was looking forward to watch the adaptation of ‘A Murder is Announced’ by Leslie Darbon.  The audience soon realise why the play has its title when Bunny reads the announcement on the front page of the Chipping Cleghorn Gazette. I would like at this point to congratulate you on the front page of your programme it must have taken some time to research and add detail to create the cover of the Gazette.

The stage had been opened up since my last visit giving a larger area which was set as one large drawing room in a Victorian dwelling belonging to Letitia Blacklock. The room had originally been two rooms which accounted for the two doors close to each other on the back wall, although this might have accounted for the difference in them it would have been great to have two panelled doors. It was good to see that a corridor had been added behind the said doors. There were well constructed, curtained French doors out to the garden on stage right. The room was expertly dressed with a variety of seating, a well-appointed fire place with a clock and various ornaments. Other items of period furniture were placed in relevant positions and various paintings adorned the walls. There was a triple light fitting hanging stage left and a variety of other lights set around the room.   The large props used were period and the personal props used were well managed by the cast. It was great to see that the tea/coffee pot and decanters contained liquid. The chocolate cake looked delicious but I’m not sure how many of the audience wanted a piece of ‘Delicious Death’.

Time had been taken to ensure the costumes were accurate being set in 1950 just after the war the women in the cast had been given outfits which were appropriate for their age and status. I liked the subtle changes in some cases during the time period of the story. It was good to a more modern influence in Julia’s outfits. The Inspector looked respectable in his plain clothes and the Sergeant’s jacket and hat were great but his trousers looked more evening than uniform. Patrick looked very dapper and Edmund was suitably attired.  It was wonderful to see that time had been taken to make sure seamed stockings were added (although Letitia’s did seem to move) for some of the ladies, the shoes chosen and the hairstyles created added detail.

The lighting was effectively managed with the changing time of the day being shown in the room and through the French doors. I must say I liked the way that half-light was used during the scene changes it didn’t detract from the story and ensured all the cast could carefully exit without any problem. The sound effects when used were clear and added to the plot.

Your director obviously had a clear vision of what she expected the performance to look like and with and many experienced cast members on board this was definitely achieved. This is a very wordy script packing a lot into a short time therefore the characters have a lot to learn which they need to pass onto the audience and are required to develop clear identities quickly, which they did.  The announced murder was well executed with the correct torchlight and gun shot.

As usual this is a classic Agatha Christie plot with lots of twists and turns. Characters are not who they seem, many seem to have a motive and Miss Marple is needed by the Inspector to guarantee the correct conclusion is reached.

The actor depicting Julia Simmons called Miss Blacklock ‘aunt’ because of their difference in ages but she is actually her cousin, she created a strong upbeat character with set ideas.

Your player excelled as Miss Letitia Blacklock, she was rarely off the stage, with clear delivery and great stage presence. She creates what appeared to be a friendly philanthropic persona who cared greatly for her childhood friend. Little did we know the complex back story.  I would also like to mention how well she managed the incident with the sofa someone with less experience would not have reacted with such poise and professionalism.

Dora Bunner ‘Bunny’ was beautifully portrayed with wonderful expressions and mannerisms. She constantly demonstrated her care for ‘Letty’ and created just the correct amount of nervy forgetfulness which eventually led to her downfall.

Patrick Julia’s ‘brother’ character was well developed by your actor, he created a believable persona with good stage presence and great expressions. His bickering with his ‘sister’ was very convincing until the kiss, what was the back story?

Your young player was splendid as the eccentric refugee maid Mitzi. She had a great accent, fiery temper, was a great spinner of yarns and was sure everyone was against her because she was foreign. She worked well with other members of the cast bringing many comedy moments.  Be careful though not to let the humour overtake when working face to face with other members of the cast. I expect to watch this actor in future roles.

The actor depicting Miss Marple was every inch the sharp-witted observer of human nature we expected. She carried her knitting in her large bag and it was great to see her uncanny way of inveigling her way into situations and assisting the police when she found solutions.

The character of Phillipa Haymes who was an unemotional English young widow with a son at boarding school. She worked as a gardener and was lodging at Little Paddocks with Miss Blacklock her depiction was well delivered by your actor. She created quite a well-spoken persona who found happiness.

As expected by Letitia the announcement brought forth her nosey but uninvited neighbours namely the widow Clara Swettenham and her grown up communist son Edmund.  Both actors created convincing characterisations. Clara the concerned friend and Edmund a more bolshie attitude.

Although we were given the back story for Rudi Scherz, we only heard the commotion and gunshot which dispatched him.

Your actor portraying Inspector Craddock created a no nonsense, self-assured, resolute demeanour he was determined to solve the case and became forceful at certain times during his interrogations. He tolerated Miss Marple’s to begin with but eventually bowed to her expertise.

The local constabulary were represented by Sergeant Mellors more Keystone Cops than Met Police. In his earnest way he was determined to follow the Inspector’s lead, well played.

This was a typical Agatha Christie ‘whodunnit’ with endless back stories and many twists and turns. Trying to dismiss the distracting red herrings and pick out the correct clues kept the audience on its toes and judging by the eager applause the audience had a brilliant evening. Many thanks to all the members of your team both on and back stage.

Disclaimer 

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance and it is inevitable that his assessment will be affected by that knowledge. 

The NODA Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular, the performance.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre. 

 It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

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