The Hollow

Fortunate to have their own purpose-built theatre, the Salterton Drama Club certainly have a gem of a venue.  On arrival, the front of house team members were cheerful and helpful and I was warmly welcomed by Penny Hill, the club’s Chairman.

The Hollow, a classic Agatha Christie murder mystery play, was a great choice to celebrate the club’s emergence from the pandemic. Familiar in narrative structure and set up of character  motives, the audience engaged immediately with the action and the investigation that followed the inevitable murder. This was one of Christie’s longer plays and the cast and the club should be commended for taking on the challenge. In his first directorial role, Steve Clark certainly deserves a round of applause.

As the curtains opened, a fixed set was revealed, portraying a realistic country house setting; the verandah and patio doors on a raised platform providing depth and contrast and the unseen sculpture in the alcove proving an interesting addition. Lighting was simple but effect; the setting and costumes were eclectic in era yet distinct and appropriate to character, mood, and occasion.

In staging an Agatha Christie, consideration needs to be given to the extent that the actors send up the thriller genre or focus on the truth of the characters.  For this production, it was clear that elements of both were in play, driven by the memorable and differentiated characters which gave the piece a convincing charm.

We enjoyed the energy and indulgence of the wealthy class gathered for the weekend: from the feisty and controlling Henrietta to the all-suffering Midge who finally confesses her love for the hapless Edward. Gerda was convincing and compelling as the the accommodating yet vengeful wife.  Veronica as a self-centred celebrity, played the diva with energy and confidence. John Christow was clearly the selfish cad, who’s final moments were “classic Christie”, even down to the dribbling blood! 

There was plenty of humour throughout which made for a very light-hearted and entertaining evening. The heroics and hysterics of the family were cleverly spliced by the eccentric and dotty Lady Angkatell, who’s dead pan responses raised many laughs as did those of the eye-rolling, subservient Gudgeon, the dour yet spirited Doris and the resigned and tolerant Sir Henry.  Similarly, Inspector Colquhoun’s straight and serious manner during his earnest pursuit of the truth was cleverly counterbalanced by the comedic timing and visual reactions of Sergeant Penny. 

Congratulations to the whole production team for providing a wonderful slice of Agatha Christie!  

Signed: Sharon Wayland

 

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