Hall for Cornwall, Truro – until 24th October 2026
Reviewed by Kerry Gilbert
5*****
‘A cleverly constructed whodunnit where the mystery is compelling, but Sarah Moyle’s scene-stealing performance is the real smoking gun’
I’ve seen many Agatha Christie and Poirot productions both on screen and on stage; however, as The Hollow is one of Christie’s lesser-known stories, this was my first encounter with it. A classic country house murder mystery, The Hollow was first adapted for the stage by Christie herself in 1951.
From the moment the curtain rose, the audience was welcomed into Joanna Parker’s beautifully detailed drawing-room set, perfectly capturing the elegance of an English country estate. Complete with period furnishings, a writing desk, and striking glass-panelled doors, the set provided an authentic backdrop for the drama to unfold. Combined with Chris Davey’s atmospheric lighting design, which subtly heightened the tension and provided effective visual cues during scene transitions, the production immediately established a compelling sense of mystery.
Family and friends gather at the country home of Sir Henry Angkatell (Michael Praed) and Lady Lucy Angkatell (Sarah Moyle) for a seemingly idyllic weekend. Beneath the surface, however, simmering secrets, jealousy and romantic entanglements begin to emerge. When a gunshot suddenly shatters the tranquillity and one of the guests is found dead, the race to uncover the killer begins.
The cast is outstanding throughout, bringing energy, depth and intrigue to every scene. Peter Polycarpou is wonderfully convincing as Poirot, capturing the detective’s charm, wit and mischievous nature with ease. His impeccable comic timing generates many well-earned laughs while never undermining the suspense.
Sarah Moyle’s portrayal of the eccentric and sharp-witted Lady Lucy Angkatell is undoubtedly the production’s standout performance. She steals every scene she enters, injecting the character with warmth, humour and unpredictability. Her presence is magnetic, and I found myself eagerly anticipating each of her appearances.
Luke Allen-Gale impresses in the dual roles of John and Inspector Colquhoun, delivering two distinctly different performances with confidence and skill. Victoria Bunt (Henrietta) and Grace Darling (Midge) both bring emotional depth and nuance to their roles, while James Sheldon gives a strong and engaging performance as Edward Angkatell. His scenes with Midge are particularly memorable and provide some of the production’s most heartfelt moments.
With its stellar cast, richly atmospheric staging and carefully crafted mystery, The Hollow proves to be an engrossing and thoroughly entertaining production that keeps audiences guessing right up until the final curtain.