Review: And Then There Were None - Sewell Barn Theatre

Review by Ray Tempesta

Agatha Christie's stellar classic murder mystery was the production chosen to herald a new era in the creative direction at Sewell Barn Theatre. Now, you might be forgiven for thinking that a play like this is old hat for the Barn, but almost unfathomably, this is the first time they've staged a Christie play in the venue's 46 year history.

But there was no need to be concerned that the creative team at the Barn didn’t know what they were doing with one of the Queen of Murder Mystery’s finest plays. They had self-confessed Christie nerd Sabrina Poole holding the directorial reins, and her passion and flair for creating an unsettling atmosphere shone through.

Just to offer a bit of context for those unfamiliar with the story, ten guests arrive at a secluded mansion on an island cut off from the mainland, and spoiler alert, they're picked off one by one by a murderer. But which one of the guests is behind the foul deeds, and are they alone on the island?

It’s difficult in a murder mystery to describe the action without giving too much away, but what I will say is that although all the characters get their moment in the spotlight, the piece is largely driven by four key protagonists. These are former military man Philip Lombard, secretary Vera Claythorne, retired judge Lawrence Wargrave, and private detective William Blore.

It was Florence Bates as Claythorne that particularly stood out, latching on to the melodrama of the play and upping the ante suitably as the story develops, in a beautifully poised performance. Jamie Willimott as Blore added real gravitas to the action with his clear, precise delivery and commanding stage presence, and in a very similar manner, Giles Conneelly acquitted himself well as Wargrave. Although Tom Capon wore his heart on his sleeve as Lombard in a generally strong performance, I felt his rather aggressive mannerisms could have been tempered somewhat as he became a little too one-dimensional for my liking.

Among the remaining characters, Paul Cooke was impressive as the nerve specialist Dr Armstrong, becoming increasingly nervy himself as the guests’ fates looked inevitable, Gill Tichborne was impactful as the spiteful Emily Brent, and Tristan Pike brought a zealous and rather humorous energy to their portrayal of boy racer Anthony Marston.

The set was as immaculate as I've come to expect from the Barn; a drinks cabinet here, a wingback chair there, and a chandelier hanging ominously above. Full use of each entrance and exit was made, keeping us on our toes about who or what was coming next, and also serving to distract in some instances when some action was happening silently on another side of the stage. There was also excellent use of lighting and shadow throughout, creating a sense of foreboding as well as signalling sinister events that had just taken place, in a highly thoughtful and stylised way.

Although already very familiar with the play (so there was no mystery in this one for me), I still found myself gripped by the action, and I've no doubts that plenty of others who already know the book or the play will be similarly absorbed by this accomplished piece of theatre.

And Then There Were None continues at Sewell Barn Theatre until 24 Oct.