And Then There Were None

This was an excellently cast production with no weak links and all highly appropriate for the roles as cast.   That makes such a difference in this kind of play and the relationships between the characters which were strongly drawn. The tension and atmosphere and the final denouement were well realised under the auspices of Amanda Oelrichs, and kept the audience on their toes for attention. As expected from Wymondham Players, a good set.

Opening atmosphere well realised and set up by the Rodgers (David Atkinson as Butler and Georgette Vale as Housekeeper), and then the arrival of guests, all of whom had a hidden secret which they were forced to reveal during the plot and to live with the circumstances. Vera Claythorne (Lizzy Reeves) and Captain Lombard (David Percival) made an excellent couple in their ages and relationships and very strong performances throughout to the final curtain.   Was she really innocent of her crime and was she falling for him?   Was he guilty as accused or as explained by him and could he win through?  These performances were really worth watching. Peter Harrold as the nervy Dr Armstrong reacted well to other characters and the suspicions, and his antagonism to the speeding Anthony Marston (Sam Mann). The South African accent maintained, the ‘cop’ typical character, Alan Carpenter as William Blore gave a very strong performance and good timing. Good balance with the quieter, older, but still personalities with forthright opinions from Kevin Oelrichs as General Mackenzie and the disapproving Emily Brent as Rowena Atkinson. But it was the understated quiet menace and control of situation from Sir Lawrence Wargrave (Martin Drummond) which threatened all and sent shivers down the back (even when we had not decided whether or not he was the villain), and was the performance of the evening and riveted attention. This was a well drawn thriller and kept the tension and pace throughout.

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