A Murder Is Announced
NODA Review
An Agatha Christie play is always a popular choice for an audience and it was good to see that the Playhouse was full, as I understood it would be for all performances. This particular play, A Murder is Announced, was adapted for the stage by Leslie Darbon, based on a story by Agatha Christie.
As the audience settled we were treated to a very well designed, constructed and decorated set, depicting two drawing rooms which had been made into one room, in an early Victorian home, “Little Paddocks”, in Chipping Cleghorn. Congratulations to the Company for their excellent standard of stage settings.
Particular attention had been paid to the set dressing with appropriate furnishings and properties. Costumes, accessories, make-up and hairstyles had been carefully researched in keeping with the era of the piece. The set was designed by Justin Enthoven; costumes by Ruth Dodsworth and team; props by Jo Wright; set built by Justin Enthoven, Steve Colbourne, Carol & Richard Blades, Steve Hunt, Ruth Dodsworth, Derek & Joan Howard, Tessa Lee, Mike Nelson, Kevin Murgatroyd, Wendy Oldham, Alan Stewart and Jo Wright. A magnificent team.
The story centres around an announcement in the local paper, that a murder is to occur in Miss Blacklock’s house at a designated time. This classic Christie puzzle of mixed motives and concealed identities features many twists and turns and Miss Marple, who is staying at the house, is called in to assist in providing the final solution, at a personal risk to herself.
Debbie Forsyth as Miss Blacklock
Debbie Forsyth, who had the bulk of the dialogue, as Letitia Blacklock, used all her experience to produce an outstanding performance in this pivotal role. She looked completely at ease, on the stage, and her delivery of Christie’s dialogue was very convincing.
Linda Harvey as Miss Marple
The iconic role of Miss Marple has been portrayed in many different ways, by numerous actors, both on stage and screen. This interpretation by the versatile Linda Harvey was very well defined and she gave a very measured and thoughtful performance, very reminiscent of Joan Hickson.
Carol Bailey as Bunny reads the Announcement
Carol Bailey showed her versatility yet again with a very convincing performance as the eccentric Bunny.
Ben Derrick as Patrick and Sally Smith as Julia
Ben Derrick, as Patrick, Joyce Liggins, as Mrs Swettenham and Keith Burton as Edmund all looked relaxed and gave assured performances. (We won’t mention the wig!) One of the highlights of the evening, for me, was Ruth Dodsworth as Mitzi, the maid who made her presence felt at every entrance. Her body language, facial expressions and articulation were all excellent as she dramatically delivered her very funny lines.
Heather Appleton as Phillipa and Keith Burton as Edmund
Both Heather Appleton and Sally Smith had everyone fooled as characters Phillipa and Julia, both giving confident portrayals.
Hugh Cawley as Inspector Craddock
Hugh Cawley, making his debut with the Players, was exactly right as Inspector Craddock, the poor overstretched police officer, always one step behind the indomitable Miss Marple. He really looked and sounded the part. He was aided by his trusty sidekick, Claire Prescott as Sgt. Mellors.
Claire Prescott as Sgt. Mellore assists in the arrest
Well done to the entire cast for excellent diction and projection and very convincing characterisations. They all demonstrated a good understanding of the social situation and age in which the play was set.
Joyce Liggins as Mrs Swettenham chats to Miss Blacklock
Lighting (Steve Hunt) and sound (Tom Barber & Sue Hickson) were particularly important to the plot, in this piece, creating the tension and the atmosphere. The “power cut” worked well.
This was the first full length production as Director at Pateley Bridge for Cory Juras, and what an auspicious debut it was. He brought his own well-chosen and cleverly delivered interpretation to this exciting play. He worked well with the large cast, with no weak links.
Pateley Bridge Dramatic Society are to be congratulated on a very high standard of performance from the whole cast and I am sure the Director was encouraged by the hard work and talent of all involved.
Thank you once again for your hospitality and a thoroughly enjoyable evening.
Bryan Craven, NODA