And Then There Were None

According to Christie, And Then There Were None “is a better piece of craftsmanship than anything else I have ever written” and this is especially evident in this sumptuous production. Although the story appears simple or straightforward the complexities that arise from it make it an intriguing study of the human psyche. Ten strangers are invited to a remote island where they are each accused of murder for which they will receive just punishment. Nevin creates a very faithful representation of the original story and accentuates the elegance of the period and of Christie’s writing style. 

The production brings together a stunning ensemble cast who inhabit the characters with a naturalness and authenticity that allows a candid exposure of their deepest and darkest secrets. Jack Bannister (Anthony Marston), Eden Falk (Dr. Armstrong), Jennifer Flowers (Emily Brent), Nicholas Hammond (General Mackenzie), Mia Morrissey (Vera Claythorne), Peter O’Brien (William Blore), Christen O’Leary (Mrs. Rogers), Chris Parker (Fred Narracott), Anthony Phelan (Sir Lawrence Wargrave), Grant Piro (Rogers), and Tom Stokes (Philip Lombard) deliver a magnificent and studied portrayal of each of these disturbingly flawed individuals. The lavish and deceptively simple staging is ingenious as the audience essentially witnesses murders mysteriously occurring right before their eyes.

As the truth gradually gnaws away at each of the personas the tension in the play increases, allowing the thrilling and gripping elements of this text to captivate the audience. The set and costume design (Dale Ferguson) simply exude grace and refinement perfectly capturing the modernism that dominated the aesthetics of the period. The striking visuals add to the grandeur of the personalities that arrive at the mansion, and beautifully contextualise the enormous range of emotions on display. Sentiments such as arrogance, pride, remorse, vindictiveness, paranoia, betrayal, terror and vulnerability are expertly paraded or unveiled in this gripping story. The lighting (Trudy Dalgleish) and sound (Paul Charlier) effectively emphasise and punctuate the dramatic events and contribute to making this a highly polished and precise production.  

Nevin previously directed a very successful production of The Mousetrap, and this show will unequivocally fuel the suggestion that the combination of Crossroads Live, Robyn Nevin and Agatha Christie is indeed a formidable one.

Patricia Di Risio 

Photographer: Jeff Busby