Black Coffee

Black Coffee a play performed by Southport Dramatic Club, on Thursday, 21st September 2023 at Southport Little Theatre, Hoghton Street, Southport.
 

Agatha Christie began writing Black Coffee in 1929, after feeling disappointed with the portrayal of Hercule Poirot the previous year's play Alibi, and after being equally dissatisfied with a number of motion-picture adaptations of her short stories. Christie mentions Black Coffee in her 1977 autobiography, describing it as "a conventional spy thriller, full of cliches, it was, I think, not at all bad".  Nevertheless, her literary agents had advised her to forget the play entirely which she was willing to do, until a friend, connected with the theatre, suggested that it might be worth producing!  In this classic murder mystery, Poirot, and Captain Hastings are summoned to the grand house of Sir Claud Armory, a renowned scientist, who had been working on a breakthrough atomic formula which had been stolen. He is determined that the thief will be unveiled, but before he can discover the truth, he is murdered! In true Agatha Christie style, Poirot is left to solve the case with the ever-faithful Hastings by his side!  Could it be the mysterious Italian visitor, or perhaps the guilt lies with Armory’s new daughter-in-law, who clearly has a secret to hide! Leaving nothing to chance, and with the assistance of Hastings and Inspector Japp, Poirot stages one of his famous dramatic reveal scenes to expose the thief and murderer.

Production Team… this ‘classic Agatha Christie whodunnit’, with its dialogue heavy script, had been placed in the safe hands of Ange McIntyre (Director) assisted by Phyllis Spencer who took on a dual role as (Assistant Director and Stage Manager).  In her programme notes, Agne tells us that she is a huge fan of ‘Christie’ but admitted that even though a fan, she, like me, always finds it very difficult to identify the murderer, although I will admit, in this case, I did narrow it down to two and the killer was one of my two… which I was totally chuffed about!  I do think Ange and Phyllis had a good handle on the story for which they should be congratulated… well done you two, good job!

The Cast… we had a cast of eleven, who between them portrayed ten male characters and three female characters… they all worked well together and should be proud of what they helped to achieve. As is the ‘norm’… this is where I ‘stick my neck out’ and start identifying my ‘Show Stealer; and my favourite characters and, if I’m honest, this was probably one of the easiest decisions, I’ve had to make in a long time… ‘Show Stealer’ was our leading male character Andrew Sloman who took on the role of eminent Belgian Detective– Hercule Poirot, a role made famous by the fabulous David Suchet.  Being a ‘big fan’ of both ‘Suchet’ and ‘Poirot’… I would suggest playing this role brings with it certain expectations which Andrew brought to the fore… the stance, the mannerisms, and facial expressions… the unmistakable accent is vital, which Andrew provided throughout… not identical, but recognisable… I would have loved that ‘jaunty’ gait… made famous by Suchet… but that’s just me… well done Andrew, great performance, be ever so proud sir!  I’ve chosen two favourite characters as well as my ‘show stealer’… firstly we have Libbie Cowburn’s portrayal of ‘Barbara Amory’, the flirtatious, restless niece of the deceased Sir Claud Amory!  I’ve seen Libbie recently in a couple of other productions, the last one being ‘The Ghost Train’ when she played ‘Peggy Murdoch’… I said it then and I’ll say it again now… we’ll be seeing a lot more of Libbie.  Confident, assured, stage presence aplenty, great characterisation and a perfect fit for this role … she reminded me ever so much of ‘Bunty’, a similar character from the TV Series Father Brown, played by Emer Kenny...  congrats Libbie… another great job!   Final ‘shout out’ goes to Tom Ashcroft and his portrayal of the good natured, kind-hearted, affable colleague and friend of Poirot... Captain Arthur Hastings. Tom provided us with another recognisable character, not identical, but who showed us good stage presence, good characterisation… Tom spends a great deal of time in the background, listening, taking notes, but he always looked interested and engaged, reacting to whatever was being said!  Loved the scenes and the chemistry with ‘Barbara Amory’ in Act two…be proud Tom, great job!  The remaining members of the cast included Helen Pickavance who took on the role of ‘Miss Caroline Amory’, the innocent, naive, talkative sister of the deceased.  Matt Christiansen who took on the role of ‘Richard Amory’, the son of the deceased, the worried, frustrated husband… married to ‘Lucia’ the desperate terrified wife who is being ‘blackmailed’ because of her deep and secret past, was played ever so well by Caroline Charnock.  Her ‘blackmailer’ was the suspicious Italian conman ‘Dr Carelli’, an invited guest to the Amory’s Home, played by Omar Hussein. Philip Hutchinson took on a dual role – the ‘Butler’, ‘Treadwell’ (one of my two murder suspects…  its always the Butler isn’t it!) and in Act 2 a Police Constable… ‘Constable Johnson’.  Ed Davies was another who played a dual role that of the deceased ‘Sir Claud Amory’ and in Act two ‘Inspector Japp’ of Scotland Yard. Phil Povey took on the role of ‘Edward Raynor’… ‘Secretary’ to the deceased… and finally, we had Gary Flynn, and his portrayal of the Local Physician… ‘Doctor Graham’.  Well done one and all… be proud of what you helped to achieve!

Staging/Set/Tech… a simple set was used throughout depicting the Library in Sir Claud Armory’s home.  As always, the staging / set here at Southport Little Theatre was ideal, affording space and exit and entry points which were made full use of by the cast. Congrats to Alan Gosling (Set Design), Bob Jessamine (Scenic Artist) and the SDC Construction Team for its installation. In charge backstage was Phyllis Spencer (Stage Manager), who doubled up, as previously stated, as Assistant Director. Stage Crew included Radley Haynes and his Team.  

Lighting – the lighting plot added ambiance to every scene and was in the capable hands of Syd Coley.

Sound – was under the watchful eye of Jon Andrews, Amy Hughes, and Bernie Howat… great job folks!

Wardrobe… as always, the costumes were apt and enhanced the production so much…  in charge Michele Martiin

Props… again first class and used well under the watchful eye of Fiona Billington

Black Coffee… as with most, if not all, ‘murder mysteries’… provides you with clues, motives, and suggestions to throw the spotlight on each character individually…. SO, WHO DID IT?  Only one way to find out… it’s to find and watch the next production in your area!

Apologies, for not being able to take up the invite to attend your VIP Night, but thank you so much for allowing my wife and I to attend the following evening… we enjoyed the production and are already looking forward to seeing you all again soon…

Stay safe and keep well…
‘STRONGER TOGETHER’

Jim Briscoe
NODA North West
District 6 Rep

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