The killing doesn’t just happen in Agatha Christie’s play. It comes via an announcement in the local paper, stating that it will take place at Little Paddocks, Chipping Cleghorn – the genteel home of Letitia Blacklock (Samantha Wadsworth) on Friday the 13th at 6.30pm.
On that very evening Letitia hosts a gathering of family and friends, and as the clock strikes 6.30pm, guess what, no surprise, one of those present is murdered in the large drawing room! With a dead body, a room full of possible suspects, and lots of red herrings, the question that needs to be answered is… ‘Whodunnit?’ The wonderful nosy amateur detective Miss Marple (Jean Nicholson), comes onto the scene to investigate, ably assisted by the local police Inspector Craddock (Matt Stockwell). Between the two of them they reveal and unmask the murderer at the very end of the play. The murderer was definitely not anyone you would have suspected.
It lays all the clues out precisely, to tease you into thinking you know the murderers identity and all the different characters reasons to do the murder.
The 2nd murder of the beloved Dora Bunner (Jean Ratcliffe) who it appears was poisoned confuses the issue and at first appears totally unrelated but in the closing scene, again all is revealed.
The sets and music used all added to the atmosphere.
As the play progresses, the director John Cocks-Evans ensures that each character is clearly defined, delving into all the different characters, and their reasons to do a murder laying out all the clues precisely, to tease you into thinking you know the murderers identity.
Jean Nicholson brings her own style to her role as Miss Marple and appears as I remember Miss Marples did in my imagination. Inspector Craddock and Miss Marple are a joy to watch as the two bounce off each other brilliantly.
There are solid performances from all the cast, and Marijana Sevo who plays the refugee maid, Mitzi, was brilliant and definitely provided plenty of comic relief.
Well done to everyone at Guide Bridge Theatre for a superb show. The production delivers all the elements of a typical murder mystery and offers an enjoyable evening of pure entertainment!
The production runs from Mon 28 Jul - Sat 02 Aug 2025 (incl. Sat matinee).
Tickets and more information - https://www.gbtheatre.co.uk/index.html
Reviewer - Marilyn Shalks
On - 28th July 2025
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