Above : Peter O’Brien and Tom Stokes in AND THEN THERE WERE NONE. Pic Jeff Busby
By rights, this is a play [first staged in 1943] that should not succeed! It is a murder/mystery where anyone who wants to can can read the book from which the play is adapted, or, indeed, simply look up Wikipedia, to find out who the murderer is. Moreover, the play is structured around a well known rhyme, from which its title is taken, so that an audience knows, in advance, generally how the plot is to develop. Furthermore, that plot is very much contrived. In all, one’s appreciation is obviously diminished, as the essence of a “whodunit” is not knowing what is to happen next.
Yet, against these odds, the play does succeed. Under the sure- footed direction of Robyn Nevin AO, the inspired set designs of Dale Ferguson, the clever lighting effects of Trudy Dalgleish, the effective sound design of Paul Charlier, and the truly exceptional acting of each and every member of the cast, one does leave the theatre”on a high”.
Certainly, the first Act is, unavoidably, a touch burdensome. This is because no less than ten characters have to be introduced to each other as well as to the audience, with much accompanying uninspiring dialogue, which at times was difficult to hear, and the audience is made ready to prepare itself for ten deaths, one of which ends that Act.
However, the second, much longer Act, is far more attention grabbing, with interest growing exponentially as each character leaves this earth in a different manner. The reason for this is plain: it is the real and growing fear felt by each of the ever decreasing number of characters, which is palpably passed on to the audience by superb acting ability.
A special word of praise should be given for the set design, lighting and sound elements of this production. Together they both adorn and enhance the plot.
The ending will be a surprise, except for the cleverest of amateur sleuths, and it is somewhat confronting. Indeed, the sub-plot is a harsh reminder of the inadequacies of our system of justice.
However, this production of this famous play does it justice, and shows why the play has had such longevity, namely, quite simply, because it is enjoyable to watch.
AND THEN THERE WAS NONE is showing at the Theatre Royal until 1 June 2025.
