And Then There were None

And then there were None

The Woolgathers

Little Theatre

24/10/25

Agatha Christie’s ‘And Then There Were None’ is a masterful display of suspense, clever plotting, and psychological tension. From the moment ten strangers on receiving an invitation from a Mr or Mrs U.N. Owen arrive on the remote Soldier Island, we are drawn into a gripping and atmospheric mystery that never loosens its hold. Fred Narracott/Anthony Marsden (Evan Dunn), Vera Claythorne (Katy Downes), Phillip Lombard (Peter Merall), William Blore (Finlay Gordon), General Mackenzie), Emily Brent (Ronnie Morris), Sir Lawrence Wargrave (Neil Barnes), Dr. Armstrong (Graham Bond), are greeted by Rogers (Terry Collister) his wife Mrs Roger (Katy Meakin).  As the guests settle in, Vera Claythorne is intrigued by the children’s nursey rhyme about ten little solders displayed on the drawing room wall, noticing the ten soldier figurines on the bookcase. As instructed by their Host, the Butler, Rogers plays a phonograph recording that accuses each one of them of past crimes that have gone unpunished.  Mr Rogers informs them he and Mrs Rogers have only been on the island themselves two weeks never meeting their host the Owens's. They are informed that Fred Narracott the Boatman will not be returning to the Island as a storm is imminent. They realise they cannot get off the island!

Jane Gordon chose a sterling cast for her directorial drama debut, well supported by her stage crew Terry Collister (set design & Build), Mary Clinton (Stage Manager) and Julie Rushton (Props). The costumes and set with central French window were ideally set for the 1930’s, the drink cabinet had good use. The storm sequence was excellent, well done Carter Gilling.

Christie’s genius lies in her ability to create an intricate puzzle where every character is both suspect and victim, non-more so than this early published 1939 work. The isolated setting heightens the sense of dread, no means of escape and each shocking twist as each denies the Owens accusations. Adding to the tension is Lombard who openly admits he has a revolver. The first death is young Marsden, followed by Mrs Rogers. As more deaths follow each eerily mimics the verses of the nursery rhyme as the figurines continue to disappear. Tension mounts as they realise the killer is one of them.

Sir Larwrence Wargrave announces that their alleged host Mr U.N. Owen actually could be read UNKNOWN!!  As more deaths follow, Rogers, Mackenzie, Brent, Armstrong, Wargrave takes charge and they are restricted to one room. Then Wargrave is killed, leaving Claythorne, Lombard and Blore. The two men accuse each other of the murders, a fight ensues Lombard shoots killing Blore. It’s not so much ‘who did it’ but why!!

 The plays characters come alive through sharp dialogue and well-paced scenes, and the gradual unravelling of secrets creates an electric energy that grips the audience. The cast gave believable credible performances in this production, slowly building the tension making the audience feel as though they, too, were trapped in this deadly game.

'And Then There Were None' is not just a mystery it’s a psychological study of guilt, justice, and the human capacity for fear. It remains as thrilling and thought-provoking today as when it was first written. A timeless classic and an unforgettable theatrical experience.

When I researched “And Then There Were None” I was impressed to learn that it was voted the World’s Favourite Christie story in 2015 marking her 125th anniversary.

Thank you, Woolgatherers, for an exciting evening of drama, I couldn't possably tell you the ending, fat to say the gasps from the nervouse audience said it all.  it was an extremely impressive production.

 

 

Joanne Rymer

NODA

District 4

 

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