Murder On The Nile

Agatha Christie’s famous play Murder on the Nile by the outstanding and ever popular author was staged at The Savoy Theatre Monmouth by Off Centre Theatre and it was definitely fascinating to witness. With Far East intrigue and sophistication, this play delves into the heart of this murder mystery.

Opening with an appropriate steamer set of the era and interesting and unusual characters appearing gave an atmosphere of the unexpected about to happen.

The suave Bridegroom Simon was very well played by Matthew Bryant and credit to him for learning this huge role, however a little more warmth directed to his beloved Kay might have made us less suspicious of him, as they were newlyweds! Some great change of moods from Matthew brought the drama to its heights.

An audience needs to avoid the obvious and Agatha was the master of intrigue and none more so than in this play..

Kay his Bride was given great sensitivity by Ellie Stevens who showed her frustration brilliantly, as she had to endure the arrival on board ship of her husbands previous lover Jackie, still trying to reclaim him. Her true to era fabulous costumes brought glamour.

The outstanding Rebecca Townsend as the outrageous Jackie gave an incredibly convincing performance throughout, her outbursts were real and just the right control making them so convincing.

Joe Davey gave a good interpretation of Smith and worked well integrating with his fellow cast members.

Every Agatha Christie play has to have its eccentrics and we had a beauty in Gay Rogers as Miss Ffoliot – Ffoulkes, gorgeous lines played so feistily they became extremely funny, and with her companion Louise from Sarah Sperring they made a great pair.

Canon Pennyfeather needed Steve Banner to bring him alive and he certainly gave him life! An excellent portrayal and brilliant diction from Steve as always.

Other parts well played were Dr Bessner Martin Newman, Christina, Suzannah Adams, The Steward, Keith Poultney and Mc Naught Stephen James.

Credit due to you all as the show went on despite the terrible floods endured by Monmouth. Some of the audience were forced to leave the performance early due to a soon to be flooded bridge.

Well done to all the excellent Production Team, Director,Jane Bryant Assistant Director, Tony Wells and Producer Judith Rossiter. Costume and Props Jenny Weston and hard working back stage crew, lighting and sound teams.

Congratulations to you all, thank you for your hospitality and every success for 2026.

 

The views in this report are solely of the author.

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