The Mirror Crack’d at The Mill at Sonning Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Joanna Woodburn
Rachel Wagstaff’s adaptation of Agatha Christie’s 1962 novel, The Mirror Crack’d, is set in St Mary Mead, a seemingly peaceful little English village and so the idyllic and charming Mill at Sonning certainly seemed like the perfect venue for the show. The sun was shining and nestled by the River Thames, the gorgeous Mill was picture perfect. What’s more, at the Mill, the experience begins long before the curtain rises, with the choice of excellent pre-show dining options from a set menu adding to the sense of occasion.
In this adaptation, Miss Marple, played by Liza Goddard, is confined to her armchair with a sprained ankle and so you may initially be deceived into thinking this will be a gentle and slow-paced murder mystery. In fact, the storytelling is told through many different memories and flashbacks and you really have to keep your wits about you to tie up all the different threads.
When Heather Leigh (Jane Quinn) is fatally poisoned at a party hosted by Hollywood star Marina Gregg (Sara Crowe), Miss Marple’s nephew, Chief Inspector Craddock (James Mack), naturally turns to her for help in finding the murderer. Key moments from the party are brought back through multiple snapshots and recollections, playing perfectly to Miss Marple’s sharp sleuthing instincts. Her mental sharpness more than makes up for her lack of agility on her feet.
The set design is particularly effective in adding to the hallmarks of a classic whodunnit, with sometimes two different settings being shown at the same time, cleverly allowing the action to move between the two as different events are recounted. With plenty of clues to put together, audiences new to the story will be kept guessing.
There is plenty of gentle, delightful humour woven through the play. There is the sense that this is a time of change for the village of St Mary Mead, with the arrival of a new housing estate and the shock of a new supermarket where you have to actually choose your own food! The play also goes beyond your typical whodunnit, with added emotional depth with themes of regret, love and loss explored with sensitivity.
The first-class cast work very well together to make the most of the theatre’s intimate stage. Liza Goddard captures Miss Marple’s warm and empathetic manner particularly well, and this becomes key to moving the story forward, as the other characters gradually come to trust her with their secrets. She also brings out Miss Marple’s sharp mind, making her a character who is both reassuring and gentle and easy for the other characters to underestimate.
The Mill at Sonning has the feel of a destination theatre and The Mirror Crack’d adds to this, combining an appealing classic murder mystery with excellent dining and a beautiful setting. A highly enjoyable experience all round.
Rating: 4/5
The Mirror Crack’d is at The Mill at Sonning until 31st October 2026.
TICKETS CAN INCLUDE A DELICIOUS TWO OR THREE COURSE MEAL IN THE RESTAURANT BEFORE THE SHOW.
For more information or to book tickets, visit millatsonning.com
Photo credit: Pamela Raith