Murder on the Nile

It’s always a pleasure to review a show for this society.  They are fortunate to have some very talented actors and I was really looking forward to seeing their latest production, written by Agatha Christie and based on her book, Death on the Nile.

On entering the auditorium we were quite taken aback by the very impressive set.  Occupying almost the whole stage was the paddle steamer Lotus, looking for all the world as though she was about to sail into the audience. The observation deck, where the action would take place, was well dressed with suitable chairs in which to lounge and take in the sights. A well stocked bar was positioned at the stern end, either side of which were doors through which the various characters would enter and leave the stage. A canopy over the deck, to give protection from the searing Egyptian sun, was dressed with twinkling lights, as late afternoon turned to evening. 

A bazaar at audience level in front of the stage, through which the passengers would pass on their way to boarding, completed this rather magical sight on which to feast our eyes prior to “curtain up”.  The Arabic style music, playing quietly in the background set the mood perfectly.

We are introduced to all the characters in the first of the three acts, leaving plenty of time for the would be sleuths among us to try and work out whodunnit.  With no Hercule Poirot to get to the bottom of things, Canon Pennefather takes up the mantle of detective and what a great performance by Richard Pink of this totally at ease character, whose astute observations and reasoning lead us through the cleverly woven web of intrigue.

There were strong performances from Hannah-Marie Juggins as Kay, the thoroughly spoilt rich girl used to getting her own way, and Michael Beavan as her new and outwardly weak husband Simon. His pretence at being shot in the knee was absolutely believable and certainly had me fooled.

A great over the top performance from Amanda Green as the haughty and demanding Miss ffoliot-ffoulkes.  Bowing to her every command was travelling companion and niece Christina, well played by Lisa Turpcu.

All the other principals were well cast.  Becky Faulkner as Jacqueline, Kay’s best friend and Simon’s ex girlfriend, who appears to be stalking the honeymoon couple; Paul Winspear as William Smith, a Lord who  gets a kick out of travelling incognito and Andy Roberts as Dr Bessner, the German doctor recommending an injection as a cure for most things. 

Kay’s maid Louise was well played by Corrina Graham-Hodson and Rachel Leung was great as the Steward, at the beck and call of the passengers. The role of Captain McNaught has the potential to be a good cameo part and I would like to have seen Doug Sheppard develop this character a little more.

Well done to the beadsellers who really made the most of their roles, each developing their own style and making a considerable contribution to the proceedings. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this well directed and well staged production.  Congratulations to all involved and thank you for inviting me.

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