Written By
Agatha Christie
Where and When
15th – 18th October 2003 @ The Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne
The Plot
An unhappy game of romantic follow-the-leader explodes into murder one weekend at The Hollow, home of Sir Henry and Lucy Angkatell, arguably Christie’s finest comic grande dame. Dr. Cristow, the Harley Street lothario, is at the center of the trouble when, assembled in one place, we find his dull but devoted wife Gerda, his mistress and prominent sculptor Henrietta and his former lover and Hollywood film star Veronica. Also visiting are Edward and Midge whose romantic assertions are likewise thrown into the mix. As the list of romantic associations grow so does the list of potential suspects when Cristow is shot dead. Nearly everyone has a motive but only one of them did the deed.
Cast
- Sir Henry Angkatell – Joe Brooks
- Lady Lucy Angkatell – Jan Stevenson
- Henrietta Angkatell – Boo Feltham
- Midge Harvey – Jean Dishington
- Edward Angkatell – Mark Ellen
- Dr John Cristow – Tony Feltham
- Gerda Cristow – Carolyn Hewitt
- Veronica Craye – Yvonne Henley
- Gudgeon – Simon Jackson
- Doris – Clare Downs
- Inspector Colquhoun – Jeremy Austin
- Sergeant Penny – Russ Guillaume
Creative Team
- Director – Paul Dodman
- Set Designer – Jackson Kingham
- ASM – Meridith Tyson-Brown
- Properties – Caroline Uwins
- Make-up – Clare Downs
- On The Book – David Pile
- Costumes – Eclectia Theatre Costuemes
For the Tivoli Theatrr
- Stage Manager – Ashley Thorne
- ASM – Steve Charters
- Lighting – Russell Parker
- Sound – Don Sherry
Preview
A country house, a dysfunctional family, suspicious servants and motives galore – all the ingredients of a classic whodunnit are on offer from Wednesday to Saturday next week when Wimborne Drama launches its 10th anniversary season at the Tivoli Theatre with Agatha Christie’s the Hollow.
The paly, which opened in cambridge on febriary 5 (by coincidence, St Agatha’s Day) 1951 before transferring to London’s Fortume Theatre, was based on Christie’s 1946 novel of the same name. The book marked the 22nd appearance of Hercule Poirot but she decided to omit her most famous detetctive from the paly script, and described the novel in er autobiograpy as “the one I had ruined with the introduction of Poirot”.
Instead she created a more conventional, less overpowering “man from Scotland Yard”, Inspector Colquhourn, who in Wimborne Drama’s production is payed by Jeremy Austin. Jeremy is no stranger to these roles, having appeared as Inspector Goole in the group’s sell-out production of An Inspector Calls last year.
The experienced cast also features Joe Brooks and Jan Stevenson as Sir Henry and Lady Angkatell, at whose country house the play is set; Boo Feltham Henrietta Angkatell; Jean Dishington (Midge Harvey) and Mark Ellen (Edward Angkatell).
Tony Feltham takes the role of Dr John Cristow, a prominent physician whose personal life is decidedly less distinguished than hos professional one. His wife is played by Carolyn Woodward and Paul Dodman directs.
Gallery
Reviews
Perhaps it’s the fact that Agatha Christie’s plays, and the lifestyle they represent, seem somewhat dated today. But, whatever the reason, this production seemed to take an awfully long time to get into its stride and it wasn’t until well into the second half that it really gained the necessary pace.
On the plus side, the country house set was outstanding and there were some first-class characterisations in this typical whodunnit. Jean Dishington’s portrayal of young dress shop assistant Midge Harvey really came from the heart and was utterly believable, while Jan Stevenson was amusingly eccentric as Lady Lucy Angkatell.
Other highlights were, for me, the semi-comic performances of Jeremy Austin as the bemusedly resigned Inspector Colquhoun; Simon Jackson (Gudgeon, the butler); and Clare Downs (Doris, the maid).
Despite the slow start the suspense built up well as red herrings galore confused the would-be sleuths in the audience. It was pretty easy to spot the victim – but the murderer? Well, true to form, I didn’t have a clue.
With murder mystery games now part of many a social gathering, the staging of an Agatha Christie play is a good recipe for ensuring a good house.
Paul Dodman directed Wimborne Drama’s presentation of The Hollow, a classic whodunnit, with all the ingredients we have come to expect from Christie such as a country house, a dysfunctional family and lots of red herrings.
The action was set at the home of Sir Henry Angkatell, played by Joe Brooks, and Lady Lucy Angkatell, portrayed by Jan Stevenson.
Joe, who is one of the stalwarts of Wimborne Drama, has appeared in more than 50 plays with the group. Although he was well cast, it is a substantial part, and personally I prefer him in more of a character role, such as in Far from the Madding Crowd, when he played Joseph Poorgrass with such aplomb.
On the other hand, Jan Stevenson often has smaller roles, and it was good to see her in a major part, which gave her the chance to display her comedic skills. She certainly had the best lines, which she delivered, skilfully.
I enjoyed Tony Feltham’s performance as the womanising Dr John Cristow, but unfortunately, it soon became clear that he wouldn’t make it to the second half. His death scene was quite a performance. His compliant wife Gerda, played by Carolyn Hewitt, seemed the most likely suspect, but we were left guessing to the end.
Simon Jackson is almost born to play a servant as he can be deliciously obsequious, and I wanted to shout out “the butler did it”. But he didn’t.
Similarly, Jeremy Austin is your archetypal, laid back police officer. He took the title role in An Inspector Calls last year, and Inspector Colquhoun in The Hollow. Well done also to the other players Boo Feltham, Jean Dishington, Mark Ellen, Yvonne Henley, Clare Downs and Russ Guillaume.
And full marks too for the brilliant stage design.
Programme
