Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until Saturday 13 April 2024
Reviewed by Gemma Gibson
4****
And Then There Were None is quintessential Agatha Christie – a dark and gripping tale filled with death, drama and mystery.
Ten strangers are summoned to the remote Soldier Island, either to work or as a guest, but with the hosts absent and connection to the Devon mainland cut, the reason behind the invitation slowly and scarily becomes clear – none of them will be leaving.
The novel is one of Christie’s most famous crime works so I was very excited to see it transform for the stage at Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre, the final stop on the production’s UK tour.
The first act is slow but sets the scene, introducing each character and a bit about them. With a teacher, judge, doctor and former police officer on the island there is a sense of ease and contentment on stage. When a gramophone starts revealing the secret wrongdoings of each character however, feelings of anxiety, suspicion and distrust become palpable. The story truly begins.
From here the show is thrilling and fast-paced as one-by-one the characters are killed and suspicions are heightened, each death foreshadowed by a nursery rhyme symbol in the dining room.
The dialogue between each character is clever, giving away enough to add a clue to the overall whodunnit, but never enough to prepare for the twists and turns in the second half.
The cast was exceptional in bringing each character to life. Vera Claythorne, played by Nicola May-Taylor on opening night, was magnificent, commanding the stage and, especially in her final moments, leaving the Mayflower audience on the edge of their seats.
The one-liners and physical theatrics from characters William Blore (Andrew Lancel), Philip Lombard (Joseph Beattie) and Emily Brent (Katy Stephens) added Christie’s well known dark comedy and drama to the show brilliantly.
While every character unique and complex, Doctor Armstrong and Judge Wargrave (Bob Barrett and David Yelland) are essential for the storyline moving forward. Both take these characters on perfectly, combining the professionalism of their occupations with emotions running high.
The set for the show is minimalistic, a transparent curtain moving around the stage to add to suspense and tension. Throughout the show the set starts to unravel becoming more and more messy and unhinged, reflecting the sense of doom and destruction on Soldier Island.
Directed by Lucy Bailey, this adaptation of And Then There Were None is simple but effective, capturing the complexities of the book and its mystery flawlessly. There are incredible visual moments, and clever character developments and placement, amplified by an experienced and talented cast.
The audience is left guessing right until the very last moment, reminding us once again why Agatha Christie is the Queen of Crime.