The Stranger

Many thanks to Ribchester Amateur Theatrical Society for inviting me to see their epic production of ‘The Stranger.’ This 3 Act Agatha Christie play is an adaptation of her own short story “Philomel Cottage,” which was published in 1924. The play revolves around Enid, who rejects her fiancé for newcomer Gerald and moves to a remote country cottage with him. There, a dark and terrible climax takes place. Unlike Christie’s more famous works, “The Stranger” does not feature characters like Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot. Instead, it offers an intricate psychological thriller with a small cast.   

The piece was well directed by Claire Davies & Judy Mallam. There was a nice steady momentum throughout, with thoroughly thought-out characterisations which complemented each other to transcend the audience into the lives of the period characters. This allowed for the text to do its work to draw out the suspense within the unfolding story which also made statements on the themes of the piece, primarily around gender biases and stigma of such associated with the period. The audience were with the lead character, Enid, throughout the production, empathising with her life choices, often verbally. This was a testament to both the creative, and actor who played this part, to ensure that the emotional osmosis was flowing to enable this level of investment. Normally I would cringe with actors breaking out of character in such a style of production to induce a laugh, but there were some nice cheeky moments of innuendo brought about in this manner, especially around the audience’s relationship with Dick, Enid’s original fiancé in the story. At times, I failed to hold back my childlike, inappropriate laughter to both the actors’ strength to maintain focus and the rapturous heckling and cackling coming from the congregation. I made note of the significant use of properties and costumes within the action which enabled a naturalistic performance from most of the players and provided nice opportunities for pause and stillness within this to increase the tension and manipulate the pace.  

The staging for the production was detailed depicting 2 separate locations. The first act unfolds in Doris' London apartment, which features minimal art deco furnishings. After the first interval, the set transforms into a secluded country cottage where the dark and terrible climax of the play occurs. Both were all Au Fais with the 1920s setting of the show, establishing some of the great themes which were held up as a mirror to the audience on the context of societal normalities within these times. Costumes were to a similar effect and suited the characters and context well. Lighting was a simple flood, nothing more was needed to enhance the story. There were nice additions of sound effects throughout the production which were well placed and timed adding additional layers to the work.  

Enid Bradshaw is the protagonist, a woman who rejects her fiancé and falls in love with newcomer Gerald. Enid is impulsive and adventurous, which leads her to move to a remote country cottage with Gerald. As the story unfolds, her life takes a dark turn. This part was played by Rebecca Parkinson who was quite simply excellent within this role. She had immense focus throughout the play which helped captivate her audience into her story. She added repeated nuances in gesture and mannerism to the character, which helped ground the part as well as allude to the depth of detail of Enid, which was also intensified through the subtext which was portrayed through reactions and moments of thought.  

Gerald Strange was played by Guy Mason. Guy provided a solid performance as a charming and enigmatic flair which digressed into a slimy mature as his true intentions become revealed. This arch was nicely played, providing the audience with the insights at the correct moments to ensure the suspense was built in line with the text. 

Doris, a good friend of Enid, was played by Hannah Murray. There was a great rapport between Hannah and Rebecca, which instantly established the pairs friendship. The role was played quite straight with great focus and energy and drove the narrative forwards within the first act.  

Mrs Huggins, the housekeeper to Doris, was played by Charlotte Green who delivered the part well. I loved the business she distracted herself with in the scene, which both lifted the energy & kept intrigue through subtly changing the shape of the staging. 

Mrs Birch the housekeeper to Gerald and Enid in their new home, was played by Lisa Lloyd. There was a stark contrast between Lisa’s performance style and the rest of the players, which I am unsure whether it worked for the show for me. It felt 2 dimensional and stood out as such with the remainder of the cast playing naturalistically. This said, the role stood out as such which added an element of sinistrality, which really worked well, which is why I am unsure. 

Dick Lane, Enid’s first fiancé within the timelines of the story was played by John Royle who played the doting lover particularly well, and had moments of heightened emotion, which emphasised the themes of the show well. 

Thanks again for inviting me to this wonderful performance and I wish the Ribchester Amateur Theatrical Society all the best with the future productions. 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.