Edward Alderton Theatre

And Then There Were None
by Agatha Christie

Directed by Richard Banks

4 -11 June 2011 (7 performances)

The classic murder mystery from the Queen of Crime. Ten strangers are brought to a remote Devon island, but one of them is a psychotic killer...

Cast
Ron Hardwen	Fred Narracot
Viv Stapleton	Ethel Rogers
Mick Taylor	Thomas Rogers
Helen Bezer	Vera Claythorne
Rod Henderson	Captain Philip Lombard
Ben Cowan	Anthony Marston
Kevin Coward	William Blore
Horry Stapleton	General John Mackenzie
Shirley Andrews	Emily Brent
Tony Donnelly	Sir Lawrence Wargrave
John Hyde	Dr Edward Strong

Crew
Stage Manager	Ella Banks
Assistant Stage Manager	Samantha Joyce
Set Design	Richard Banks
Set Construction	John Vinnels, Ron Andrews
Set Realisation	Richard Banks, Horry Stapleton, Ella Banks, Mick Taylor, Helen Banks, Viv Stapleton, John Hyde, Shirley Andrews, Ron Hardwen, Rebecca Mason, Rod Henderson, Kevin Coward
Lighting Rigging	Jerry McKeon, Christine McKeon, Ian Long, Rod Henderson, Rebecca Mason, Ella Banks, Richard Banks
Lighting Programming	Jerry McKeon, Christine McKeon, Rod Henderson, Richard Banks
Lighting Operation	Laura Lockwood
Sound Design	Richard Banks, Rebecca Mason
Sound Operation	Sarah O'Hanlon
Properties	Viv Stepleton
Crew	Scott Quinnell
Costumes	Helen Banks
Make-Up & Hairstylist	Wendy Marsh

Review

Engaging performances and dramatic music help lift a classic Agatha Christie whodunnit

Whodunits can sometimes feel like a slow-cooking post roast — there is a rather long wait before the meal is served up and by then you have sometimes lost your appetite. So if felt a little with this production of Agatha Christie's 1943 adaptation of her novel, And Then There Were None, playing at the Edward Alderton Theatre.

To be fair, the problem lies with a genre which has been eclipsed by the subtlety of film and television. On a stage set which remains constant throughout, it has to be the calibre of the cast and the staging which makes the difference. And on the whole, Richard Banks' direction manages some semblance of success, though the running is not always smooth.

Many of Christie's characters lack any depth (after all, they are stereotypes drawn across society) and some portrayals seem a little one-dimensional. Nevertheless, there are some nicely turned-out performances which are engaging and sufficiently modulated. Richard Banks' programme notes cordially welcome newcomers Rod Henderson and Kevin Coward, both of whom deserve parts in future productions.

We now expect a high standard of set design at the Alderton and the audience will not be disappointed.

Ace the pace heats up, things do get better and tension becomes almost tangible. The incorporation of dramatic music helps things along. It is well-thought out — not too much of it but enough to keep you focused trying to work out who is behind the killing game. And, I have to admit, I failed to spot the killer. But I will say that I loved his/her (sorry, no giveaway here) delirious descent into insanity.

The production has been a popular choice among audiences and should help secure well-needed funds for the future. The next production, the Jacobean drama The Revengers' Tragedy which runs from July 23-30, will undoubtedly be an interesting contrast!

Steve Spencer

Kentish Times | 9 June 2011

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