Murder on the Nile

A most realistic set representing the stern deck onboard a Nile paddle steamer comprised side rails and gangplank, with tables and  wicker chairs set out on deck in front of a shuttered bar, opened in Act Two The bar was a room in itself, with one front entrance and two rear entrances / exits for the cast. Blue skies and palm trees completed the picture. Clearly, much thought and work by design / build manager Martin Beatty, along with his in-house team, had gone into this highly effective set.  

Costumes, hair and makeup were good. June Brown (also the Director) and Pattie Thomas-Verweij along with Stephanie Hornett Johnson did the show proud. Long, expensive looking dresses were used for the ladies, together with appropriate jewellery, and short hair for the men, though two shirt collars looked suspiciously modern in style.

A strong cast of sixteen built the tension throughout the first act. It was noticeable how superb the diction was from the entire company and the thirties setting was very evident with the clothes, hair, makeup and manner of speaking being so authentic.

The show opened with a longish spoken introduction from the unseen Jill Perry as Agatha Christie herself. A good start!

First to appear on deck was Karl Bristow, playing a dutiful and caring steward, busy trying to repel the persistent Beadseller played by Lee Wallis. The latter was a charismatic, humourous and thorough nuisance, bent on pestering several passengers. A highly amusing fez wearing cameo performance, with Arabic (presumably) accent. Lee also doubled as a passenger later on.

David Morgan was the highly experienced and worldly-wise vessel's Captain McNaught, with an accurate Edinburgh brogue and the huge stage presence he brings to every role he plays.

Amanda Stronge made Miss Ffoliot-ffoulkes a formidable snob and battleaxe, aunt to Christina Grant, played with equal skill by Jenny Roe. Great characterisations by both ladies.  

Steve Bedford, wearing a crumpled light linen suit, convincingly played the argumentative socialist and therefore "social misfit", William Smith. He was surely the murderer!  A socialist on board a boat? Whatever next!

A most delightfully French accent was assumed by Catherine Wyncoll as the elegant but fretful Louise, maid to Kay.

Richard Peachey, also carrying natural presence, imbued Dr. Bessner with an authentic Swiss German accent. I had him pegged as the murderer too, but he was just another of Dame Agatha's red herrings. Well, she possessed enough of those to open a fish stall at Billingsgate market!!

The largest parts were played by Marion Barker as the extremely rich Kay Mostyn - until her demise - and Jamie Heath as Simon Mostyn, the newly married couple.   Simon's "jilted" lover, Jacqueline (Jackie) de Severac was played by Grace Wardlaw. These talented players carried  the meat of the play's plot. The deception which is at the heart of this wonderful whodunit performance was superbly acted by all three players. Grace's becoming drunk, manic and dangerous was achingly real and made one cringe. "Oh, it's only acting, dahling"!!   But what acting!

An authoritative Phil Fry played the kindly Canon Pennefather and uncle to the wealthy Kay.  He was the antithesis to the socialist in several  discussions between them  and gave some sage advice to Simon and all with marvellous diction.

Three non-speaking roles as fellow passengers on board were provided by Jackie Barrett, Sheila Branson and Elinor Nelson. All wore "in-period" costumes and bright red lipstick.

The evening scene in Act two was most effectively lit by Richard Grogan and the vital sound effects provided by John Chinnock.

Director June Brown faithfully reflected the period setting and depth in this well chosen, well cast play, using the various and wildly differing characters in effective and tension building style    June has enhanced the already high reputation rightly enjoyed by the fastidious, dedicated and deeply talented Oxted Players.

This was a highly enjoyable and in large part a professional production, even though I "bought" several of Dame Agatha's red herrings. Well done Oxted Players!

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