WOKINGHAM Theatre’s thrilling June production is destined to grip audiences.
It’s already proving to be very popular, and with fewer than 50 seats remaining, there’s likely to be a last minute scramble for tickets.
Love From A Stranger is based on the Agatha Christie short story, Philomel Cottage.
Written 100 years ago, it’s a chilling psychological drama that still packs a remarkably powerful punch.
It’s sure to delight and unnerve in equal measure.
“I’m a huge Agatha Christie fan, and have been for years,” said director Thomas Atkinson-Joy.
“Sadly, people can sometimes see her work as a bit stuffy or formulaic – they think of whodunnits; a murder, suspects, clues, a detective, and finally a big reveal.
“But Christie was a writer ahead of her time, and this piece is so much more.
“This is a great story – a surprisingly modern study of power dynamics in relationships, coercive control, and the balance and expectations of masculinity and femininity.
“It could have been written yesterday, and I very much wanted it to be a contemporary thriller, which is why we’ve worked hard to make sure all the characters are real and engaging.”
The story is an intense and chilling romance, but also at times deliciously funny.
Performances from all eight cast members are excellent (as is the visual design and soundscape) and audiences will struggle not to be drawn into the increasing tension of the unfolding drama.
The set building team have been challenged to create two very different locations.
The first is claustrophobic and restricting – a box set measuring just eight feet by 12.
The second set is big, bright, and requires a scene change that is as fascinating to watch as the drama itself.
“I’m a big fan of making a feature out of scene changes,” said Thomas.
“This is a big one, and happens at a crucial point in the story, so we decided to use it as an opportunity to show the audience what happens during the six week interval between the two locations.”
The production is likely to appeal as much to existing Agatha Christie fans as to new converts to the queen of crime.
“I hope it will appeal to anyone who loves a good mystery, traditional or otherwise,” said Thomas.
It may start off as a slow burner but be warned, it’s a raging furnace by the end.
Love From A Stranger can be seen at Wokingham Theatre, from Thursday, June 5 through to Saturday, June 14, with the exception of Sunday.
Tickets cost £16, and the bar is open from 7pm, with curtain up at 7.45pm.
For tickets and information, visit: wokinghamtheatre.org.uk
