Review: A Murder is Announced

We visited the Wyvern Theatre for the launch night of Agatha Christie's 'A Murder is Announced.' Find out what our reviewer thought of the performance.

What a delight to be invited to review A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED on behalf of Total Guide to Swindon. I am an avid Agatha Christie fan, and dear old Miss Jane Marple feels like an old friend.

The inhabitants of Chipping Leghorn, including Miss Jane Marple (who is fortuitously staying nearby) are agog with curiosity over the contents of an advertisement in the local gazette which states " A Murder is Announced and will take place on Friday 29th October at Little Paddocks at 6.30 pm." The owner of Little Paddocks, Letitia Blacklock is bemused as to what this means but is happy to receive some of the locals, including Miss Marple, that evening.  The clock strikes 6.30 - the lights goes out and the action begins - I am not going to give anymore away but suffice it to say the plot is intriguing, mystifying and skillful - the denouement is very surprising - I had absolutely no idea "whodunnit?".

The cast is terrific - almost impossible to single anyone out - superb acting and they are all so totally in character.  However, special accolades to Judy Cornwell - a fresh take on the roll of Miss Marple - a touch more outspoken, always one step ahead of the Inspector, and played with a definite twinkle in her eye - TV companies take note if you need a new actress for the role! Also special mention to the delightful Lydia Piechowiak as Mitzi the European refugee hired help - a brilliant comedic performance.  Diane Fletcher, always an accomplished actress, turns in a superb performance portraying Letitia Blacklock.

A great evening`s entertainment especially for fans of this genre.  Catch it if you can.

Performances are showing nightly until and including saturday 16th April at 7.30 pm with matinees on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30 pm.

Many thanks to the cast and crew and special thanks to The Wyvern Theatre.  We are so lucky to have this theatre on our doorstep always providing us with such varied and enjoyable productions.  Check out their website https://swindontheatres.co.uk/Online for future productions.

Patricia Ledger