And Then There Were None At Nottingham’s Theatre Royal Review

Reviewed by Louise Edwards

Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, is her most-read work and the best-selling crime novel of all time, selling over 100 million copies since it was published in 1939.

This week a brand new production, directed by Lucy Bailey, is performing at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal as part of a national tour, which premiered in Dublin in September 2023, running until April 2024.

It is 1939, the stage is set as a living room, slightly obscured by white chiffon and we meet the 10 strangers who all receive an invite from the owners, Mr and Mrs Owens, to a solitary mansion on an island off the coast of Devon, only accessible via boat. The spotlight falls on the characters who are lured there by different reasons, as they read out their invite.

The gauze removed, we see each of them arrive at the mansion and meet couple Jane Pinchbeck (played by Nicola May-Taylor) and Geogina Rogers (played by Lucy Tregear) who the owners have employed to cater and welcome eight guests to the house. They received instructions on what to do and were told that the owners themselves would be arriving the next day. Delivering fresh produce and sailing the boat over with guests we meet Fred Narracott (played by Matt Weyland). First to arrive is Vera Claythorne (played by Sophie Walter) who is secretary of the Owens and ex soldier Philip Lomard (played by Joseph Beattie). The rest of the guests arrive; the stressed our former surgeon and now nerve specialist Dr Armstrong (played by Bob Barrett), irresponsible playboy Anthony Marsden (played by Oliver Clayton), serious General Mackenzie, played by Jeffery Kissoon, the mysterious William Blore played by Andrew Lancel (best known for Cardiac Arrest and The Bill), prudish Emily Brent played by Katy Stephens and Judge Wargrave, played by David Yelland.

The group move to the dining room for dinner where on the table are ten soldier figurines. After dinner the group return to the living room and as instructed a record is put on. Instead of the expected music a voice accuses each of them of murder, which visibly shocks and outrages the group in equal measure. Seemingly shaken by the accusation, Jane Pinchbeck faints and is taken to her room and shortly afterwards Anthony Marsden collapses and dies. At the same time one of the soldier figures shatters. The group are perturbed by this turn of events and questions whether is it suicide or something more. Gradually as the body count increases emotions are high and the drama intensifies. Will anyone get off the island alive? Certainly, the title of the play suggests not.

Lighting and sound are key in horror productions such as this and the lightning design by Chris Davey and sound by Elizabeth Purnell are perfect in creating the sinister atmosphere. Costume and set design by Mike Britton complement this to produce an outstanding piece of modern-day theatre that brings the text to life in contemporary society.

Classic theatre and real edge-of-your-seat stuff from beginning to end with superb acting and suspense from the mistress of Whodunits. Five stars!

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £15.50(booking fees may apply).

And Then There Were None is at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham until Saturday 27 January 2024, for more information or to book tickets visit https://trch.co.uk/whats-on/and-then-there-were-none/
or call the box office on 0115 989 5555.