Studio Theatre Club take to the stage with the zest and elegance of the early 1950s as a backdrop to their production of Agatha Christie’s 50 th novel, A Murder is Announced, directed by Elena Mortimer. Miss Marple, the genial, elderly sleuth finds herself unexpectedly adjacent to a new enigma. Everything about this performance is sublime, the combination of skilled direction and a stunning acting ensemble is a thrilling ride, keeping the audience guessing right to the end!
Without giving away any spoilers, I can say that the action takes place in Letitia Blacklock’s drawing room. There, we are presented with a variety of colourful friends and relations, and a murder with a complicated motive sitting in the centre of a web of interactions between them. Miss Marple applies her well-known agile brain to the task of solving the mystery.
Enabled by the lack of scene changes, the set is intricate and complex. There is so much to take in, with adorned chairs, tables, pictures, a drinks cabinet, and telephone. It sets the scene so well, instantly drawing the audience into Lettie Blacklock’s home. Props are notable too, with memorable pieces including newspapers, a very fine-looking chocolate cake, and Miss Marple's bag of knitting. The lighting is usually bright but subtle, with one scene marked out by on-set lamps, adding to the intimacy of the environment. Likewise, sound is minimal and in keeping with the action; scene changes are speckled with jazz and other contemporary gramophone records.
The costumes are perfectly aligned with the period, and the personality of each individual. Be prepared to see lots of heavy tweed and wool suits, shimmering jewellery, kitten heels, linen, and the occasional snazzy tie. Miss Marple herself dons a cute cloche hat and matching jacket to complete her look.
Kath Leighton engrosses her fellow players and the audience alike as the friendly, helpful Letitia Blacklock. It is exciting to watch her show-off so many facets of our lead character with such expertise. How can I even begin to express how brilliant Francesca Richards is as Mitzi, maid to Lettie Blacklock? Her accent, expressive face and sense of comic timing are utterly faultless, along with being incredibly funny. I am so impressed with how Holly Grant transforms into the forgetful, elderly form of Dora Bunner. She makes excellent use of her voice and mannerisms in this role.
It must have been quite a daunting challenge to step into the shoes of the on-screen greats who have played Miss Jane Marple, but Kat Steiner does not appear to let this worry her at all. She is confident, curious, and just a little bit nosy, all while seeming to be completely unassuming. The world-weary, dejected Inspector Craddock is wittily handled by Dan Booth, the character’s sarcasm and reluctance both adeptly executed. Jon Shepherd assists Craddock as Sergent Mellors, a straight-talking Copper, greener than Craddock and less world-weary, but no less memorable.
Phillipa Haymes is doubtlessly sweet and gracious under the experienced auspices of Debs Bonthron, in frank contrast to Patrick Simmons, the slightly uppity and overly confident young man (enacted with zeal by Carl Weston). This trio of younger visitors is completed by Anna Wilson as Julia Simmons, a haughty and fearless woman, performed with tenacious poise.
Mary Horan emphatically entertains as Mrs Swettenham, the honey-toting, intrusive widow who trusts in and obsesses over her adult son in equal measure. Jamie Mortimer takes on the role of Mary’s workshy son, Edmund Swettenham. Jamie’s Scottish accent remains convincing throughout the play: a fantastic feat! A small, but key role is Rudi Scherz, played by Andy Knapton, who is a dominant force in his scene.
The whole audience remained engaged throughout the play, I saw so many smiles and heard only good things after the performance. The show is a well-deserved sell-out, and all ticket holders are in for such a treat.