85 years after it was published, and following numerous adaptations for stage, radio and screen (plus a deviation from its horrific original title) – the world’s best-selling mystery comes to South Hill Park.
But after all those variations on the novel, does the story still have something fresh to offer?
Ten strangers find themselves cut off from the mainland on the isolated Soldier Island – where they have been invited for a long weekend by their hosts, Mr and Mrs Owen.
Yet their hosts are mysteriously missing. And once all the guests have arrived, a dreadful voice is heard, accusing them each of a terrible crime.
Are the crimes real? How on earth do their absent hosts even know about these deep, dark secrets?
Before those questions can be answered, the first of their number suddenly drops dead – and there are now nine more to go…
It’s often the case that historic plays (and this was first adapted for the stage in 1943) are made fresh for modern audiences with some kind of gimmick – modern music, gender swaps, or perhaps by playing fast and loose with the source material.
Sometimes this can have positive results, injecting much-needed new perspectives into old material, and allowing us to see those familiar stories in interesting new ways.
But do you know what? Some stories are just classics. They work brilliantly just as they are, and sometimes the best thing a production can do is to simply let those stories shine.
Director Gemma Roch, and the cast and crew behind this first show by new theatre company LB Productions, have done exactly that.
The acting, set and production standards are not flashy, but they are brilliant – doing exactly what is needed to make the story seem grounded, believable, atmospheric and terrifying.
The actors and actresses bring their characters and their lines to life without histrionics (always the bane of a murder mystery) or over-acting; all of them acquit themselves admirably, adding little quirks and peculiarities to make each character memorable. This also makes their absence all the more apparent each time the killer strikes.
The set design and lighting are similarly effective, conjuring the tranquillity (and isolation) of the English Riviera without being so prominent or gimmicky as to distract attention.
Consequently the story is allowed to shine in all its compelling, suspenseful and thought-provoking glory. It is very rare for me to watch a 2 hour play without my concentration starting to flag, but I was genuinely on the edge of my seat, carefully analysing every line, because the plot is just so damned good.
So if you haven’t yet experienced this classic story – or to be frank, even if you have – do yourself a favour and catch this classic before the run ends. And keep your eye on LB Productions – if this is what their first production looks like, the future will likely be incredible.
“And Then There Were None” runs from the 7th – 10th February in the Wilde Theatre at South Hill Park Arts Centre. Tickets are available at https://www.southhillpark.org.uk/whats-on/shows-events/
