The Mirror Crack'd

Agatha Christie’s murder mysteries are always intriguing and this production kept the audience engaged from start to finish with various twists, revelations and secrets well concealed.

Excellent use was made of this visually pleasing split stage set. Trucks on either side were rotated and moved seemlessly by the cast members allowing the smooth transition to the various scenarios and flashbacks in the plot while the static mirrored wall at the back was most impressive.The attention to detail on the set, costumes and hairstyles admirably created the correct mood and time period. The most effective use of sttillness and frieze frames throughout added tension to the storytelling. Sound effects were well chosen and realistic with excellent lighting adding to the atmosphere. 

This was an emotionally charged production punctuated by notes of humour.

Miss Marple is perhaps one of Agatha Christie’s best known characters and Mairi Coyle gave a most articulate and astute portrayal of this well loved character. Her counterpart, the bumbling Chief Inspector Dermot Craddock was confidently and effectively played by Simon Boothroyd. Both of these characters have a huge amount of dialogue and worked well together trying to unravel the murder of Heather Leigh. They also brought humour to the plot as Miss Marple tries to control Dermot and he reluctantly gives in to her demands and is determined to remind everyone that he is ‘Chief’ Inspector .

There was an obvious chemistry between Miss Marple and her gossipy friend Dolly Bantry. Elspeth Whyte was animated and well suited to the part. Her ‘Jean Brodie’ accent, careful timing and subtle side glances supported the dialogue well. Marina Gregg the elegant actress is a complex character. Fiona Main gave a believable character presentation that captured the essence of the role and kept the mystery alive. The contrast between the initially confident, vindictive diva and her genuine heartache talking about her past troubles was most touching. The physchology of pain, grief and loss was well conveyed in the conversation between Marina and Miss Marple.

Darren Coutts, the staunch husband, Jason, demonstrated a genuine love and empathy with his wife. Angie Fowler, the flighty, naive Cherry gave an energetic performance as she tried to keep everyone on side. The uninvited guest to the party, Lola Brewster was in the capable hands of Rebekah Lansley who looked sophisticated and very much a budding star. Her emotional turmoil longing to meet her lost mother was genuinely depicted.

I did enjoy Gillian Robertson in the part of the adoring fan Heather Leigh. Her non stop chat and excitement at meeting Marina was played with great pace and humour little suspecting what lay ahead! Heather’s down trodden husband Cyril was portrayed with such innocence by Russel Loten and one could only laugh but feel sorry for him as he constantly tried to get a word in edge ways and was totally ignored.

Giuseppe, Marina’s devoted butler for 19 years and her loyal secretary Ella were played most convincingly by Scott Harrison and Annabel Hamid respectively.

This was an excellent production which kept the audience in suspense until the very last minute. The many intriguing characters were all well defined while the whole vision and direction was admirable. I saw the play twice and although I knew exactly how it ended I was still engrossed. Well done all.,

 

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