And Then There Were None

Carlton Players. 

20/9/19

You really have to admit that Agatha Christie was a woman who knew how to plot. She was the mistress of the carefully laid clue. Christie's plays work because of two things: complete conviction by a committed cast and the flow of text that gives full weight to Christie's labyrinthine plotting.

The action is set in the late 1930’s and the set costume and furnishings depict this well, including a large French window centre stage which was used to its full potential.

The ten guests, previously unknown to each other, arrive happily expecting a pleasant weekend, but each of them has committed a crime which went unpunished and retribution is at hand as they are despatched one by one in the manner of the rhyme Ten Little Soldiers. A framed copy of which was displayed above the fireplace where ten soldier figurines had pride of place, but first they examine the invitations they each received from a Mr. and Mrs. U.N. Owen. The plot thickens and, as the intricate story unfolds, the biggest mystery is who on earth can be effectively murdering each one. There is no one else on the island it must be one of them, but which one?

Because the action is confined to one set, a number of key events occur offstage. It would no doubt have been better if clever design could have opened up the stage to permit at least some of those events to be witnessed, even in part or in shadow. However, top marks to the cast’s performance that offstage events did not dampen the sense of drama.

This being Agatha Christie, there is a smorgasbord of eccentric characters to divert and hold attention

Steve Youster is retired judge Sir Lawrence Wargrave, weighing the evidence slowly, deliberately and thoughtfully he had sentenced a man to death, but believed his judgement was correct. Maureen McConnell, Emily Brent, morally religious, feels perfectly justified in dismissing a young pregnant girl from her employment, not at all her fault that she then drowned herself. Vicky Lodge gave a great performance as the secretary Vera Claythorne, she provided the glamour and also a little love interest with Gareth Crawshore as Captain Philip Lombard, a man with a shady past, a ladies’ man with a revolver. Phillip McConnell plays Mackenzie beautifully, with gruff bluster, memories of his late wife and intermittent lucidity fine performance. David Tolcher is the amiable Dr Armstrong with a shocking case of nerves and a dark history of alcoholism. Liam Carr as an indulged reckless young man Marston, who liked fast cars was the first victim.  It’s difficult to imagine an Agatha Christie story without a policeman of some sort and this tale is no exception. Nick Fawdry plays William Blore who says he is a policeman, a bold and upfront type, a fine completely believable performance. Graham Brecken and Susan Braddock made the most of their roles carrying out the illusive hosts instructions with the support of Chris Clinton as the boatman.

After its slightly slow beginning, the play gathered momentum with one death closely following another and each time one of the little soldier figures was broken, until finally ……..well I don't want ruin the surprise.

Well done to you all for an enjoyable evening of whodunit.

Joanne Rymer

NODA

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.