And Then There Were None

Honiton Community Theatre Company

AND THEN THERE WERE NONE by Agatha Christie

As seen by: ‘Tricia Barclay, NODA SW Representative District 6 on 3rd November 2018

Director: Sally Cregan

The Beehive

With a proven track record of pantomime, comedy, music and song this production presented a fresh challenge for HCTC which they embraced in their usual ensemble and team spirit style! When ten strangers find themselves stranded on a remote island each is accused of murder by their absent and unknown host. Over the ensuing days, and following the refrain of an old nursery rhyme, they are gradually “bumped off” one by one in various and nefarious ways until, as inferred by the title “And then there were none” – well almost!  As the select group became smaller suspicions grew, the tension heightened and past misdemeanours and guilty secrets were revealed. The company certainly put their own stamp on this well-known “whodunit”, bringing all the usual Christie characters to the stage, but certainly not stereotyped and with some interesting alternative casting. It was refreshing to see younger people in the roles of the Butler, Housekeeper, Boatman and Detective, and in this production the part of the Judge, who turned out to be the perpetrator, was changed to a lady and played with commanding authority. With a range of varying characters all the cast portrayed their roles sincerely, were suitably self-righteous and opinionated and interacted well with each other, with Philip Lombard particularly commanding the stage and bringing moments of light relief with his flippant remarks!

The set was well designed, depicting a typical drawing-room of the genre complete with standard lamp, drinks table and even an outside patio area, although the width of the space did at times make for slightly too much pacing from one side of the room to the other, giving the actors a bit of a walk to grab a drink! Costumes, props and furniture were well chosen and “timeless” and thought had obviously been given to co-ordination. The lighting was suitably atmospheric and sound generally well-balanced, although at this performance there was some crackling from the radio mikes, and perhaps some music would have added to the scene changes. However this production was very well received, full of red-herrings, moments of tension and drama together with flashes of humour, keeping the audience amused while still on the edge of their seats!

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