The Mirror Crack'd

The Mirror Crack’d is a mystery story, often involving Miss Marple where a glamorous American film star moves to a quiet English village, and a guest is poisoned at a party thrown by the star. The story explores the star's past and motivations, with the investigation revealing a connection to the death and a deeper tragedy related to a previous illness. 

This was a fascinating adaptation by Rachel Wagstaff, of a story by Agatha Christie, very well directed by David Wakeman. As usual the set was clever, divided during the play into four main sections; Miss Marple’s front room, the new home of the film star, the film set and the star’s dressing room. The sound effects and lighting added to the atmosphere.

What struck me early on and throughout was the strength of the relationships between the characters. We first meet Miss Marple (Joan Wakeman) and Chief Inspector Craddock (Stuart Wishart) whose close relationship goes back to Craddock’s youth. Both displayed superb acting with some well-timed amusing moments. Cherry (Becca Wilbrooke) was engaged about a week earlier to help Miss Marple who has damaged her foot and she has also obtained employment serving at a party hosted by the American actress Marina Gregg (Laura Pearson). Gregg had recently bought the Manor House in the village previously owned by Dolly (Katie Ball) who is a close friend of Miss Marple and their friendship is convincing.

Events soon centre around Marina and her film director husband Jason Rudd (Richard Taylor) , who initially comes over as belligerent but nevertheless is caring towards Marina. Both Pearson and Taylor’s acting is excellent and their easy presence and stature shine. Marina’s Secretary Ella (Bhupinder Brown) and her Italian Butler Guiseppe (George Gallagher) don’t get on and although Guiseppe has been employed for 19 years, suspicions are raised about their intentions as the drama unfolds.

At Marina’s party, Lola arrives (Charlotte Morris) and although she is apparently Marina’s co-star in a new film, she has not been invited.   Also at the party are Heather Babcock (Jo Rush) and husband Cyril (Tony Newbold). Heather is totally star-struck and told Marina that meeting her some time ago, at the time against doctor’s orders, was the best thing in her life. Heather spills her drink and Marina kindly offers hers, but this appears to include poison which shockingly kills Heather – was it intended to be drunk by Marina and who would have arranged this?

In response, Chief Insp.Craddock arranges to interview Marina and agrees that Miss Marple should accompany him on the basis she does not interrupt – which of course she finds it hard to do! Although she feels Cherry is not involved, Miss M reckons there are up to 7 others with a motive. Marina explains that she lost a son, who had been born with health problems and this speech by Pearson was very absorbing.

There were several ‘flash-back scenes’ during the action which were cleverly handled and an impressive scene on the film set -  nice cameo from Jane Williams as Asst. Director. I’ll resist the opportunity to spill the beans on the eventual outcome, but needless to say, for anyone not knowing the play, this was in true Christie style, a big but understanding surprise, and convincingly handled.

It was obvious the full audience appreciated this production, which I certainly enjoyed as well. Congratulations to all involved.

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