Towards Zero

Towards Zero

Carlton Players

13/6/23

 

The setting is Gull’s Point in Cornwall, the home of wealthy widow, Lady Tressilian (Phyllis Brighouse), and her companion Mary (Lyn Critchley) Her ladyship is being visited by her former ward, Neville Strange (Gareth Griffiths), his young wife Kay (Rebecca Williams), and his ex-wife Audrey (Lucy Ashdown) as well as their friends Treves (David Tolcher) and Latimer (Mark Latham) and a relative, Royde (Terence Caddick). With this being the 1950s and the upper classes, the men are mostly known by just their surnames.

Christie is renowned for writing the world’s longest running play, “The Mousetrap”. This was similar in premise but set in a more appealing location. There was one question in everyone’s mind tonight… whodunnit? With Agatha Christie’s cleverly elaborate writing it could have been several suspects in tonight’s play, “Towards Zero”.

Theatre debut Director Mark Latham and team gave us a so very British living room set, which is totally correct for the era. Consisting of double central doors leading to the garden terrace. It was ideal for the plays content well done Les West and crew. Costumes are nicely done in period, Liz Youster does her magic once again. Well done. The first half is a slow-building mystery of who is going to be murdered, as Christie exposes the tensions beneath the surface.

Christie's scripts are playful, enjoyable, and intelligent, Towards Zero is a particularly clever fast-paced plot, more so once Mary finds Lady Tressilian dead. I don’t think I would be spoiling things to tell you there is a murder, this is Christie after all, and coming to solve the case are Superintendent Battle (Steve Youster)) from Scotland Yard his niece, Inspector Leach (Debbie Smith) I would like to mention Debbie Smith who was a delight as the eager to please Inspector Leach. Good work, Debbie.

The cast all keep us involved in the entanglements, both social and criminal. The plot has many twists and turns, expected in a Christie mystery. Kay is the firebrand socialite wife of Neville, trying to cope with the presence of his former wife, Audrey. Who is responsible for instigating this potentially explosive gathering, is it Neville or his ex-wife Audrey?

Towards Zero is a fine example of Christie’s skills as a storyteller. While her writing was not well-known for its psychological depth, this play reminds us of her sharp understanding of what drives seemingly ordinary people to take extreme actions. Of course, I cannot possibly say ’who done it’, that would be telling.

I attended Tuesday 13th June, the opening night, of what is the final play this season for Carlton Players. Maybe gremlins were abounding that evening, prompt Christine Smith had a busy evening, as uncharacteristically cast struggling for lines. That said it was still an enjoyable evening.

Thank you Carlton Players for an outstanding season - lets aim for nominations once again 2023. I have enjoyed sharing the theatre experiences with you all. Enjoy the summer break. See you all soon.

 

Joanne Rymer

NODA

District 4

 

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