Murder, Margaret and Me

Just three actors in this play, who displayed their skill and experience, by bringing their characters to life brilliantly.  

It was a shining example of the Blackmore Players at their best with the cast at the top of their craft.

The Spinster was a difficult role, as she was there but not there, and had no real interaction with the two other characters. A blend of characters from Agatha’s life experience, she was the archetypal Miss Marple of her imagination, at the same time, breaking out with a twinkle in her eye and a hint of mischief making. Just occasionally a little difficulty in hearing her quieter dialogue.

 No wonder that when Margaret Rutherford was cast as the famous elderly lady detective, so close to Agatha Christies heart, the apparent difference between her and the beloved creation was greeted with dismay by the author and the first meeting between the two was stiff and unfriendly.

Agatha Christie was excellently portrayed, the empathy and understanding that gradually developed between her and Margaret was sensitively and subtly done. Her obvious dismay at the challenges Margaret faced in her private life whilst remaining dignified throughout was very well done. 

Margaret Rutherford was exceptionally portrayed, with the familiar facial mannerisms including the drop of the jaw. Her first appearance, as with Agatha’s, took us right to the end of the play ,where dementia was gradually taking her over.  This “flash forward” helped the audience to understand the subsequent scenes and was a nice device. Moving from bouncing on stage ,with all the confidence of a seasoned star, through the difficult and somewhat sordid aspects of her marriage “Boys will be boys!” and her pathetic reliance on her stuffed toys as “our family” then her gradual decline into dementia was done with huge skill and great empathy. The relationship between the two women was developed beautifully and went on to a touching conclusion.      

The change of set was done with ease and deliberately not hurried so that the various musical pieces, (so well chosen) could be fully appreciated.

The bookcase looked effective along with the sensitive lighting and costumes that were true to the period.

This was an unfamiliar play to me, but so glad to have seen it and to witness something rather special with three fine actresses and an experienced director who made the whole performance so memorable.

Many congratulations to all concerned on a very fine production.

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what they see at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is inevitable that their assessment will be affected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular the performance viewed.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

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