Rule of Thumb

Written by the well-known author Agatha Christie, “Rule of Thumb” is a triple bill of short but very intense and atmospheric plays. It requires good direction and acting to make the production successful, and Rotherham Rep achieved this admirably.

A total of 17 actors performed in these three plays and all were very confident and gave excellent characterisations with clear diction. A great deal of thought has been given to the direction and in ensuring that the set designs meet the needs of each play.

The first play was “The Wasps Nest” with four actors. One of the characters was the famous Hercule Poirot and Danny Stuart was brilliant in this role. His characterisation, mannerisms, and accent were what we have come to expect of any actor taking on this iconic role. The plot revolves around Nina Bellamy (Niaomi Deville) who is now engaged to Charles Harborough (Dannie Hastie) having previously been engaged to Claude Langdon (Mark Kelwick). Great performances from all three. Nina, of course, still loves Claude but how will this love triangle work out and who will kill who? Of course, Hercule solves the mystery before a murder can take place.

The second play, “The Patient”, featured nine actors and all gave excellent performances in their various roles. With so many characters the audience never knew who tried to kill Mrs Wingfield - was it her husband, sister, brother-in-law, or the secretary? The keeping up of the uncertainty until the last minute was spot-on. Emma Bland was first class as Dr Ginsburg, likewise Richard Wilshaw’s Inspector Cray who both did their best to control the arguing family. In true Agatha Christie style, the person who tried to kill Mrs Wingfield was not who we thought it was.

The final play in this trio was “The Rats” and once again all the four actors gave amazing performances. Leah Keys played Sandra Grey who had been lured to her friend’s flat for a cocktail party only to be informed by Jennifer Brice (Fiona Gouley), who had just called in to feed the budgie, that the flat owners were out of the country. Sandra, instead of expecting her husband to join her, was faced with the unexpected arrival of her lover David Forrester (Jack O’Boyle). This was all a trap sprung by Alec Handbury played with great finesse by Dan Fisher. Alec had already killed Sandra’s husband and was framing the two of them for his murder. The tension that built up in this play was palpable, especially at the end between Leah and David when the police came to arrest them. Superb acting from these two and congratulations to everyone involved: the director, Roger Hazelwood, the production and technical team and all the cast contributing to making these three plays a great success.

Thank you for the invite and a very good evening’s trip to the theatre.

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