Towards Zero

Based on her novel of the same name, Towards Zero was dramatised in 1956 by Agatha Christie and playwright and thriller writer, Gerald Verner. There’s much enjoyment to be found in this familiar genre – and who better than Agatha when it comes to a good whodunnit? With St Luke’s Theatre Society cast of characters, under the astute guidance of experienced director, Sharon White, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the proceedings. In Act 1, when a group of family friends and acquaintances start to gather for a summer break at Lady Tressilian’s seaside manor in Cornwall, you know you are in for a treat. It slowly unravels that some of guests know one another, and the clincher is revealed when, contrary to Lady T’s (Linda Morgan) strict moral code, Nevile and Kay Strange (Matthew Hobbs and Amy Bent) are joined by Nevile’s ex-wife Audrey (Philippa Dwyer).

The mix is delightfully sweetened by the presence of two gentlemen who are enamoured of Nevile’s wives – Ted Latimer (Brendan James) and Thomas Royde (Nathan Seng). Lady T’s carer, Mary Aldin (Madelyn Scott) and a long-time family friend, Mr Treves (Eddie Bruce) make up the intriguing house guests. The weather turns sultry and the action gets a little heated too. You spend the best part of Acts 1 to 3 trying to figure out who the murder victim will turn out to be and how they will meet their unfortunate demise. And of course, you then spend Acts 4 to 6 watching the performers, trying to uncover any clues to determine who the murderer is! So complex are the intertwining relationships, red herrings, and possible motives that it takes two police detectives to unravel the case. Superintendent Battle (Robert Connaughton) – who appeared in five Christie novels – just happens to be in Cornwall visiting his nephew, a local copper, Inspector Leach (Jonathan Knox). Robert and Jonathan certainly have fun with their stalwart stereotypes, especially as the script adds some dark comic moments for them to play out.

There are some satisfying twists in the tale towards the end and some great performances from the cast. Linda Morgan makes an elegant and strong Lady T, and Madelyn Scott plays her employee loyalty to the hilt. The two Mrs Stranges, Philippa Dwyer and Amy Bent are both brilliant: two very different women –  one who keeps her emotions to herself and the other who brims over at the slightest whim. The men are just as moody, with some great lines designed to get you thinking about those backstories that could influence the outcome. Matthew Hobbs has a challenging character to play with the petulant Nevile Strange, but he relaxes into his role soon after the opening Act. Brendan James and Nathan Seng have a tremendous time with their roles as supporting chaps, each with their own secret reason for hanging around Lady T and her guests.

After all, with Agatha, there are no small parts – anyone could be the villain!  Eddie Bruce’s Mr Treves sets the action firmly in upper class English society in the 1950s. He’s great in a role that changes in strength as the action plays out. There’s something for everyone to enjoy in this ensemble cast.

Director Sharon White keeps a tight hold on the material so there are no dull moments. The pace is spot on and the action keeps you guessing, which is of course, all part of the fun.  There are also some tremendous frocks for the 1950s setting. And the seaside resort is also a character, never far away through the stage window – including a wonderful thunderstorm, at a crucial time, courtesy of Brett Simpson on Sound and Lighting, (Brett also did the Set Design and Construction). As with all Community Theatre, it’s a team effort and Daryl Simpson and Louise Hunter have done a great job on the set construction for the sitting room action and interrogation. All runs smoothly thanks to Stage Manager, Laura McIntosh. And I also have to point out that the intermission raffle (raising money for the Fred Hollows Foundation) and the church stall also made the visit worthwhile (Mary, your jams and chutneys lived up to their rave reviews!) So, if you like supporting local theatre, it’s worth a visit to see St Luke’s latest production.

Beth Keehn

Photographer: Christopher Sharman

Find out more: stlukestheatre.asn.au