The Mirror Crack'd

‘The Mirror Crack’d’ by Rachel Wagstaff brings Agatha Christie’s classic mystery to life, centred around the murder of a guest at a glamorous house party. As secrets unravel, the investigation reveals hidden motives, with Miss Marple at the heart of solving the crime. The story blends suspense and intrigue, keeping the audience engaged from start to finish.

Arriving at the Tacchi Morris Arts Centre for the first time, I was immediately impressed by the theatre’s welcoming layout and atmosphere. The open set, divided into two halves, featured a chaise lounge, an old-fashioned telephone, and various period-appropriate pieces of furniture, perfectly capturing the era.

Miss Marple was portrayed with subtle warmth and quiet determination, capturing the essence of the character’s intelligence and sharp observation. Her calm confidence and thoughtful presence allowed her to navigate through the mystery with ease, offering a soothing yet strong command of each scene. Her ability to quietly piece together clues while maintaining a comforting, reassuring nature made her a key anchor to the story.

Cherry Baker brought a lively energy to the stage, mixing both comedy and moments of poignancy. Her constant rushing and bustling gave her a noticeable presence in each scene. While her liveliness contributed to the performance, there were also moments where her emotional depth added complexity to the character.

Chief Inspector Craddock balanced authority with charm, making the character both grounded and relatable. His investigative approach, combining logic with empathy, added depth to the role. Craddock’s calm and approachable nature allowed him to connect with others, making him an effective figure in the mystery. Throughout the performance, his steady demeanour provided clarity, helping to drive the investigation forward while maintaining a sense of warmth and professionalism.

Heather Leigh, as the murder victim, brought a notable energy to the role, effectively capturing the nuances of her character. Her portrayal as a star-struck admirer of Marina Gregg was convincing, with her facial expressions and body language clearly conveying the excitement and awe. Her performance played an integral role in advancing the mystery, adding complexity to the evolving events.

Cyril Leigh’s character was well played, and the audience laughed every time he was dismissed by the Chief Inspector. His impeccable timing and delivery brought a comedic element to the performance, providing a welcome light-hearted break from the tension. His moments on stage added a nice touch of humour to the overall production.

Jason Rudd was portrayed with confidence and arrogance, enhanced by a convincing American accent. His dismissive attitude toward Chief Inspector Craddock added tension and created an interesting dynamic on stage. His aloof and self-important nature was evident in his interactions, making Jason Rudd a guarded and intriguing presence throughout the drama.

Giuseppe Renzo, as Marina’s butler, gave a convincing performance, using expressive hand gestures and a well-delivered accent to bring the character to life. His anger felt genuine, adding intensity to his scenes, and his portrayal during the dying scene was particularly strong, capturing the drama of the moment effectively.

Dolly Bantry was a delightful character to watch, bringing both humour and charm to the stage. Her posh, slightly dramatic mannerisms added a touch of fun, and her witty remarks brought some light-heartedness to the production. Dolly’s interactions with other characters, especially Miss Marple, were full of warmth and genuine friendship. Her keen observations and occasional comic relief provided a refreshing balance to the tension of the plot, making her a memorable and entertaining presence throughout the performance.

Marina Gregg was brought to life with plenty of character, capturing the emotional depth and inner turmoil of the troubled actress at the heart of the mystery. Her vulnerability added a sense of tragedy, making her a sympathetic figure despite her complexities. The excellent American accent remained consistent throughout the performance, further enhancing the portrayal. She also perfectly captured the image of a 1960s film star, with poise and mannerisms contributing to an authentic and convincing interpretation.

Ella Zielinsky brought an air of confidence to the stage as Marina’s dedicated secretary, creating a sharp and efficient presence. Her character’s no-nonsense attitude was clear in her movements and direct manner, adding to the tension in key scenes. Despite her professional exterior, moments of charm shone through, giving the character added complexity.

Lola Brewster delivered a powerful, emotionally charged performance, fully immersing herself in the character’s complexities. Her portrayal brought a strong sense of vulnerability to the role, making her an intriguing and captivating figure. The way she effortlessly transitioned between moments of intensity and quieter vulnerability added richness to her performance, keeping the audience invested in her journey.

The roles of the Assistant Director and Police Constable, though relatively small, were integral to the story, and both were executed with confidence and finesse. As the Assistant Director, their performance conveyed authority and composure, blending effortlessly into the dynamics of the production. Then, stepping into the role of The Police Constable, there was a noticeable shift, bringing a commanding yet grounded presence to the stage.

The lighting was expertly executed, enhancing the atmosphere and setting the perfect mood for each scene. I especially liked the spotlights on each character who was a suspect in the murder, which added a layer of suspense to the production.

The costumes were elegant and accurately reflected the time period. I particularly admired the navy dress and hat that Heather wore, as well as the beautiful dresses Lola and Marina donned, both of which added a touch of authenticity and style to the production.

The performances were engaging, the set was thoughtfully designed, and the atmosphere was well-crafted. Each member of the cast played a key role in bringing the story to life, with their performances ranging from light-hearted to intense, complementing each other well and maintaining the audience’s interest throughout the mystery.

Thank you so much for having me on behalf of Katie Jones. It was a pleasure to attend in her place and witness the talent and hard work that brought this production to life.

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