And Then There Were None

Reps name Victoria Carey
Reps district 8
Noda East

“And Then There Were None” was written by Agatha Christie and is the world’s best-selling mystery
and one of the best selling books of all time. So this dramatization required a stellar cast to do the
work justice… and that is exactly what Theatre at Baddow gave it’s audience.
As the plot unfolded we were gradually introduced to ten strangers, all summoned to a remote
island in Devon where their pasts are revealed and the result is Murder!

Within minutes I knew we were in for a real treat as each Player was perfectly cast in their roles and
for this reason I will mention them all.

Paul Warner and Jacquie Newman made a believable married couple as the house staff looking after
their guests. I felt Paul in particular added lots of extra little details to really elevate his character
using his props to good effect, particularly the suitcases and ever present handkerchief!

Oli Burns had the tricky job of portraying two very different characters, one as a trawlerman
complete with a heavy Devonshire accent and then as the arrogant Anthony Marston. If I am being
really picky I would suggest he slowed his speech down a little for Marston to enable the audience to
clearly hear all of his dialogue. But good performances for both roles.

Caroline Froy as the religious Emily Brent, certainly looked the part, peering over her spectacles to
convey her disapproval of the behaviours of women. When she finally revealed her shocking past it
was easy for the audience to dislike her character so well done. Perhaps some more physical
movement displaying her gradually revealed madness would have made the role even more
impactful…but another good job.

General Mackenzie, was nicely done by Keith Newman. Longing to be reunited with his deceased
wife, there was a heart wrenching moment as we see him dip in and out of lucidity before facing the
inevitable.

Barbara Llewellyn was perfect as Dr Armstrong. What a lovely actress who I can only assume has
plenty of experience on the stage. She looked completely comfortable and delivered her dialogue
with clarity and ease.

Praise also for Andrew Raymond as William Blore. He had two roles in one here and did them both
excellently. Andrew can clearly do comedy too and brought plenty to his character. I really enjoyed
this performance.

Ben Perkins as Philip Lombard both looked the part and acted it very well. I immediately pictured
him as the Lieutenant in another play I recently saw “Flare Path”. Ben has a great speaking voice that
lends itself to plays of this era.

Roger Saddington as the Judge Sir Lawrence Wargrave was quite simply excellent. His body language
throughout was consistently in harmony with his dialogue, subtly changing as was called for as the
play progressed and his character evolved.

Lastly and by no means least and in probably the most demanding role of the evening, Abigail Hunt
was stand out as the secretary Vera Claythorne. She reminded me very much of Lady Edith from
Downton Abbey! This part would test the skills of any Actress and Abigail did it beautifully. Never
over doing it, slowly building momentum as she gradually understands what is to happen. Portraying
concern, fear and finally acceptance. Abigail would have held her own on a professional stage.

Overall I was extremely impressed with what Director Iain Holding Sutton produced assisted by
Jenny Hillyard. A talented cast, coupled with a well built stage and good sound and lighting meant a
winning formula. The creepy recording of the ten soldiers rhyme created the right ambience too.
Perhaps a little more attention to the lighting at the rear of the stage to really give the impression of
being by the sea would have just taken things up another notch.

Costumes were excellent and the wet raincoats did not go unnoticed. Details like this are always
really appreciated. My guest and I would also very much like to know where Abigail sourced her
fabulous footwear from!

A huge thank you to everyone involved in this production. I had a wonderful evening and very much
look forward to seeing your future productions.

“NODA owns the intellectual Property Rights to the content of all show reports written by NODA
Councillors, Reps and Assistant Reps.”

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.