NODA Review, by Bruce Wyatt:
Written by Agatha Christie who remains the best-selling novelist of all time, Murder on the Nile first opened on the West End in March 1946. As a newbie to the stage version, I was totally absorbed by this performance directed by Jo Bestwick. An impressive fixed set captured the observation saloon of the paddle steamer ‘Lotus’ on the Nile between Shellal and Wadi Halfa, to near the Temple of Abu Simbel. Prior to the opening and during each change of scene, the moments were backed by atmospheric music.
As the passengers arrive on the steamer, the Steward well played by Steve Siddle, showed each guest to their cabin, which he explained to everyone was the best on board. In typical style the passengers are pestered by Beadsellers, also amusingly played by Bob Salmon and Martyn Read – and they both went down a storm selling ice creams in the interval!
The first to arrive are Miss ffoliot ffoulkes and her great-niece and companion Christina Grant, played by Susan Resuggan and Sarah Taylor. Susan played a rather fussy forceful self-centred character very well, not surprisingly unhappy with her cabin, whilst Sarah was a pleasing but rather timid obedient character. Another passenger Smith (Adam Brown) was initially grumpy, but later provided some well- timed humour, as we learnt that he was rather better placed in Society than was first suggested.
Two newly-weds Kay Mostyn (Rosie Pring) and Simon Mostyn (Jon Oseland) were being followed by Kay’s best friend Jacqueline De Severac (Leah Yendell) a jilted, recent but old flame of Simon, who had a future together, until he met Kay. But Kay was very rich, pushy and brought along her maid Louise (Myfanwy Griffiths) who with a rather cunning demeanour maintained a good French accent throughout. All interacted convincingly, although I should have suspected not all rang true, when Kay went to bed claiming to be extremely tired and she and Simon kissed good night like friends rather than newly-weds. Also, Dr. Bessner was well played by Alan Clarke, who turns out to have a deep-seated grudge against Kay’s father, and maintained a good German accent throughout.
Jacqueline was making an enjoyable nuisance of herself following Kay and Simon every day and after drinking heavily which was well acted, accidently shot Simon in the leg. Simon was allegedly in great pain and this was also very well acted. When Kay was discovered dead in bed, Dr Bessner was insistent that Simon rest so that he could be treated for his injury.
Also, on board was Cannon Pennefather (Chris Davies) who happened to be Kay’s Guardian and to whom she appealed for help to deal with Jacqueline. Chris was totally convincing and at the request of McNaught the steamer’s Captain (Keith Williams), took on the role of detective, delivered his lines at a controlled pace that lifted the tensions between the characters. At first, Jacqueline is accused of murder but Christina says that she had been with her at all times and then attention changes to the maid Louise… who is also shot! We were certainly kept guessing until the real culprits were revealed.
Also supporting the production, was some effective lighting and costumes, and it was a special moment to have a photo taken of the cast with the National President Christine Hunter Hughes and our Regional Councillor. Thank you to all concerned for the usual warm welcome and I look forward to ‘Sinbad the Sailor and the Curse of Zard’ in November.
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