The Unexpected Guest

THE UNEXPECTED GUEST by Agatha Christie is a crime thriller that opens with a dead body in a chair, a woman holding a smoking gun and an intruder enters the scene.     If he’s a stranger, why is he so intent on insisting the woman is innocent.   Why did he enter just after, seemingly, the murder has taken place.  And why is he in the area, on foot, on a foggy evening?  All these questions are answered as the play unfolds.  

The set was excellent and the action took place at the home of Richard and Laura Warwick.   It was lavishly decorated with the walls a rich turquoise, red upholstered furniture (small sofa/chaise and a chair) and had a fireplace and doors to the left and right.    The double doors opened out to the garden which looked to be a well maintained and stocked garden with tasteful garden furniture.   The room was dressed with pictures, candles in fancy holders, decanter and glasses, and a gun was drawn towards the end of the play.

The costumes were good and in keeping with ther characters: Starkwedder in casual jacket and trousers, the women in clothes reflecting their status, Laura more opulent, Miss Bennett in plainer, more frumpy skirt and blouse.    Sergeant Cadwallader was in police uniform and Henry Angell, Richard’s manservant/attendant/carer was in smart black suit.    

The lighting was good and it changed in accordance with the time of day and weather; foggy or sunny.   

This was a polished production from the players with all elements coming together.   The costumes created a good period and the high-quality set perfectly reflected the victim’s status.   The cast were well rehearsed with a couple of exceptions when prompts were needed.    Once or twice, volume dropped which made clarity a little difficult.   It was a good solid story told well and the actors had great technical support from the backstage crew.  Directed by Jill Gillett and Brian Gillett, the actors were confident and the action proceeded smoothly.    This classic whodunnit was convincing and entertaining and concluded with a twist and, although I saw it coming, it was still a well-done murder mystery.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.