Review: Verdict @ The New Theatre
Arriving at the New Theatre, I proceeded to purchase my ticket from the Box Office. Under the venue’s ‘re-act’ programme, I was able to get my stalls tickets (F12 for those of you interested) for only £5.50.
Why £5.50 as opposed to just £5? Well, the New Theatre is currently adding an extra 50p charge to all tickets purchased to help upgrade the grand circle seating. They are hoping to have completed this project within the next two-and-a-half years.
But back to the show: I have always been aware of, but never actually seen, the Agatha Christie plays at the New Theatre. However, I had decided that enough was enough and that I simply must see one, as I am somewhat of an Agatha fan. Walking into the theatre hall itself, I was greeted by some rather charming music from the era, early 1900s I think. The whole atmosphere was perfect for a London based murder play.
I am currently writing this during the interval to ensure I do not give away any of the main plot details. Dawn Steele led an excellent cast. There is only one word for her performance – fabulous! She leads other stars like Robert Duncan and Ali Bastian who were also excellent. The play also featured Matthew Lewis, famous for playing Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter films, who played a youth called Lester.
The set onstage was wonderfully mundane, which perfectly suited the lives the characters onstage seem to be living. However, it would seem we have been invited into their world at a rather interesting time of their lives. I shall say this about the play, the murder does not occur right up until the end of Act 1 and whilst you may think that as a result the play’s ability to keep you interested may dwindle, I was pleasantly surprised at how much the story onstage managed to keep my attention rapped.
As I said, I am writing this review during the interval (yes I have my laptop at the theatre… what of it?) and I have only just witnessed the murder occur. Yes, I said witness. This play has kept me amused throughout but the way in which the murder would seem to take place has been the thing that has amused me the most so far. You seem to witness the murderer actually kill the victim onstage. I have never seen this occur in any of the murder mysteries I have seen, be they play or TV.
However, writing during the interval, I have yet to discover what this play holds in store but I’m sure that the plot will be just as magnificent as any of the other Christie masterpieces.
Now writing at home, having seen the whole play, I have to say that it was wonderful. The acting was splendid and I must give special credit to Dawn Steele whose performance was absolutely stunning. The story was wonderful and I hope that you will go and see the play showing from today until Saturday (February 19th) at the New Theatre. It is, I assure, most excellent.
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