Rating: ★★★★

Running Dates: Tue 6 February - Sat 10 February 7:30pm

Where to see it: MK Theatre

Duration: 2 Hours and 35 mins (Including interval)

Keywords: Agatha Christie, Whodunnit, Mystery, Problem Solving

The best-selling Novel of all time, and commonly known as Agatha Christie’s most read work comes to Milton Keynes Theatre! This brand-new production has been reinvented for the 21st century, directed by the renowned Lucy Bailey (Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution – now in its 6th successful year and Love From A Stranger; Dial M for Murder; Baby Doll; Titus Andronicus and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel).

Ten strangers are lured to a solitary mansion off the coast of Devon. When a terrible storm cuts them off from the mainland, and with their hosts mysteriously absent, the true reason for their presence on the island becomes horribly clear, as secrets from their past come back to haunt each and every one of them.

The Review

The full cast of this show includes Bob Barrett (Holby City, Propeller West End and UK Tour) as Doctor Armstrong, Joseph Beattie (Hex and Silent Witness) as Philip Lombard, Oliver Clayton (National Youth Theatre and The Play That Goes Wrong) as Anthony Marston, Jeffery Kissoon (National Theatre and Complicite, Allelujah!) as General Mackenzie, Andrew Lancel (National tours, West End and Coronation Street) as William Blore, Nicola May-Taylor (Rutherford And Son) as Jane Pinchbeck, Louise McNulty as Understudy, Katy Stephens (RSC, Globe and London’s Burning) as Emily Brent, Lucy Tregear (The Country Wife) as Georgina Rogers, Sophie Walter (The Girl On The Train) as Vera Claythorne, Matt Weyland (Witness For The Prosecution) as Narracott/Understudy, and David Yelland (Poirot, Foyle’s War and The Crown) as Judge Wargrave. 

The toughest guessing game in theatre, I love the concepts of whodunnit productions, the feeling of being a detective for the evening is engaging. The storyline, not to give too much away, is in short, the guests are not as they seem to make out to be and from a message that comes part way through Act 1, they all gain to realise they all have sins and justice must be served. Eight strangers, two servants and ongoing challenge to find out who is behind taking them down.

The actors were brilliant and everyone had their own suspicions, I still wouldn’t have suspected that ending. Christie has done wonders in keeping the audience at the guessing stage throughout the show. I’ll be honest, the critism I would give is that the beginning of Act1 was very slow I started to become switched off, but once they got into it and you realise what the story line will be, you will become a detective for the evening, it’s a must watch really.

Standout Quote or Moment:

See If: You love whodunnit productions

Similar Plays:  Cluedo

Last Impression: A night of suspense and constant changing of instincts.

Buy yourself a ticket to see the show from £13!

Reviewed by Charlotte Moyle
Photography by Manuel Harlan