The Mirror Crack’d At The Little Theatre Leicester Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Leanne W

Nestled in the heart of Leicester, The Little Theatre is a charming, volunteer-run venue. Known for showcasing local talent, this latest amateur production continues that tradition—though once again with mixed results.

Set in the quiet English village of St Mary Mead, the story unfolds when a glamorous Hollywood film crew arrives to shoot a movie at Gossington Hall, the home of actress Marina Gregg (Holly Matusiewicz) and her husband, director Jason Rudd (Gwyn Johnston-Wright). During a party held at Gossington Hall, a villager, Heather Lee (Leanne Mitchell), dies after drinking a poisoned cocktail meant for Marina. Although the death initially appears accidental, further suspicious deaths follow, prompting Miss Jane Marple (Elizabeth Spendlove) to investigate working alongside Chief Inspector Craddock (Pavan Maru).
Directed by Mary Jones, there is some excellent casting seen here – in particular Elizabeth Spendlove who is the perfect Miss Marple, she holds her moments of thought enough for the audience to almost see the cogs turning.

It is never easy to meet the expectations of an audience watching a much-loved character, but Spendlove really does meet the target with her interpretation. Supported in the role by her friend Dolly Bantry played by no stranger to the stage here, Karen Gordon. The other supporting roles each bringing their own skills to perform the characters as intended, though at times accents were below par and I felt that with a little more time could have been further developed to give a little more depth and mystery to the ‘Who Done It?’. There were some humorous moments, mainly provided by the coming and going of Cyril Lee (Adam Jones) who wants to impart his knowledge to CI Craddock, this raised many a laugh at his forlorn frustrations as he is continually silenced and turned away.

With each visit to The Little theatre I am increasingly impressed with the scenery and this set again excels and easily matches those in professional theatres. Tristan Knowles has created a visual delight which moves and opens to reveal the varying locations of the story. Most impressive was the use of gauze; to offer glimpses in to plot twists and additional information on the characters; which then in an instant becomes nothing more than wooden panelling again. With a staircase, fireplace, throne and all the intricacies seen in a stately home this really is a highlight of the production.

The play closes on a sombre reflection on fame, grief, guilt, and the quiet tragedies hidden beneath polite society, with Miss Marple proving that human nature, rather than forensic evidence, holds the key to the truth.

Overall, this was another commendable effort for an amateur production, though the choice of play may not have offered the best platform for the cast to truly shine, with adaptations of Agatha Christie’s work are known for being wordy and often slow in the build-up; this being no exception, a crowd pleaser for fans of her work no doubt. Still, supporting local theatre is always worthwhile, and The Little Theatre remains a valuable cultural gem in Leicester.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

The Play runs until Saturday 21st March 2026 with tickets available priced between £17 and £19.50
thelittletheatre.co.uk/whats-on/agatha-christies-the-mirror-crackd/