THE Phoenix Theatre Company is currently performing Agatha Christie’s Unexpected Guest at the intimate theatre in Ross-on-Wye.
The play runs nightly at the Phoenix Theatre in Palace Pound, until Saturday, May 25.
REVIEW
The Unexpected Guest
by Agatha Christie
The play opens on a dark and foggy night in November in 1958 in the study of Richard Warwick, who lives on the South Wales coast near to the Bristol Channel.
As the audience comes in they hear the mournful sound of a fog horn, thus setting the scene effectively before the play even begins.
In this production, expertly directed by Amanda Barrett, Richard’s study is faithfully represented by the carefully constructed set, which includes panelling and big game hunting souvenirs on the wall.
The Unexpected Guest is Michael Starkwedder who, seeking help after a car accident on this foggy night, finds himself caught up in a murder. His actions thereafter open a veritable Pandora’s box, as secrets and lies come tumbling out. There are a number of suspects and the audience will be kept guessing throughout. Michael Starkwedder is convincingly played by Phil Field, with the murdered ‘corpse’ (Nick Clapp) not moving a muscle throughout the first scene - an amazing feat. The suspects, who may all have a motive for murder, include Richard’s wife Laura, impeccably acted by Jackie Phillips.
There is also Richard’s mother, played by Ann Stirrup in a very moving performance. Then there’s Jan, Richard’s half-brother - Nathan Cole brilliantly evokes the troubled boy with limited intelligence. Also living in the house are Miss Bennett the housekeeper and Angell the valet. Jacky Bedford effortlessly inhabits the role of Miss Bennett and Maurice Thompson cleverly displays a certain arrogance beneath Angell’s apparently servile exterior.
A regular visitor is Major Julian Farrar, played with a stiff upper lip by Laurie Pegrum. Does he have a motive for murder?
Attempting to unravel the clues and discover who murdered Richard are Inspector Thomas and Sergeant Cadwallader. The former is thoughtfully played by Brian Jackson, while Terry Lewis is well cast as the poetry loving sergeant.
The Unexpected Guest provides audiences with a thoroughly entertaining evening and will keep you guessing right to the end.
Review by Stephanie Piggott.
