2024 may be the year of election fever, financial difficulties and punishing mortgage rates – but there may be some hope among the gloom, particularly if you’ve ever been interested in acting or bringing stories to life…

While many theatres have closed their doors since 2020 (Woodley Theatre being a recent example), Luke Burton has made the bold decision to set up LB Productions – a brand new production company.

“I wanted to provide accessible shows for audiences, alongside opportunities for local actors to get involved in professionally-produced productions” says Luke – who has a long career in the arts, formerly managing South Hill Park’s Studio Theatre.

So if you’re keen to do something with your acting talents – 2024 may just be the year for you! If you want to see what kind of shows Luke produces before getting involved, the company’s first production begins on the 7^th February at the Wilde Theatre in South Hill Park – and it’s a classic.

“Our first production is ‘And Then There Were None’ by Agatha Christie”, says Luke.

“Ten strangers find themselves cut off from the mainland on the isolated Soldier Island. Their hosts, Mr and Mrs U.N. Owen, are mysteriously missing. One night, a dreadful voice is heard, accusing them each of a terrible crime. The first of their number suddenly drops dead. It’s not long before the strangers realise there is a murderer among them, ready to kill each of them, one by one…”

The show is directed by Gemma Roch, who selected it due to its classic status.

“This is one of the world’s most famous murder mysteries; the story has been an inspiration for many other writers to create their own plots on the same premise, across stage and screen”, says Gemma.

You might be familiar with the story already, but this show promises be bring something different to the story.

“Each cast member has brought their own creativity and talent into their character to really make those characters their own. We’ve used sound, stage and lighting to really explore how guilt can haunt a person – and how isolation can lift someone away from knowing reality”.

“And Then There Were None” runs from the 7^th – 10^th February; tickets can be booked at https://www.southhillpark.org.uk/shp-events/and-then-there-were-none/.