Go Back For Murder

Agatha Christie’s writing is now beginning to show its age, the stories can appear bland compared to today’s more ‘gritty’ thriller writers. However for the younger and not so familiar audience, along with the older stalwart ‘Christie’ supporters, there is still much to appreciate, all being ready to fill a village hall, as on this occasion.

This work, based on the novel ‘Five little Pigs,’ featured her famous sleuth Hercule Poirot although in this particular piece, one of ‘Christie’s’ last plays penned,  Poirot is replaced by  Solicitor, Justin Fogg.

Carla receives a note from her mother who has died in prison, after being charged with the murder of her husband some twenty years ago. She maintains her innocence, setting Carla on the trail to clear her mother’s name along with the help of Fogg.

The first act presents as mostly factual, introducing characters and circumstance. Being extremely ‘wordy’ it needs a firm, clear directorial hand to maintain audience focus on the essential details and ‘clues’. Most times this was achieved with characters established and facts clearly relayed.

Cast held their characters well with good use of stage space. Playing a dual part of daughter and mother, Carla used a convincing accent while being able to show clear differential traits between the two parts. As Miss Williams, the governess, Liz Redfern displayed strength and an excellent perception of the character, as did ‘Turnball’, the solicitor’s clerk. All cast worked together enforce, displaying mannerisms with flowing reassurance and without individual overplay.

A projected set with timely props and supportive lighting gave a pleasing visual aspect, all carefully conceived to form a creative perspective on a miniscule stage.

Theories abound, audience focus was retained, keeping us guessing to the end, just as it should be!              

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