The Mirror Crack’d

All Photos by Andy Abbott

Review by Martine Silkstone

Currently playing at Theatre Royal, the local Bury St Edmunds Operatic and Dramatic Society present Agatha Christie’s classic mystery - A Mirror Crack’d.

Now, I have seen two other Christie plays on stage and have been disappointed by both - too dry, too slow and badly abridged in both cases.

This production, I am delighted to say, is a delightful breath of fresh air.

A brilliant adaptation by Rachel Wagstaff, it stays true to the story but adds a wit and flare that keeps everything moving a-pace, which is often the challenge when dealing with such complicated whodunnit shenanigans. No long, drawn out exposition here, just clever writing and clear storytelling. Indeed, her clever use of flashback scenes shows the many different perspectives of the murder and really rounds out each character, so you get a feel for backstory and motive, not to mention a true emotional connection. That is no mean feat in under two hours!

So great writing - check.

Then you have BSEODS, who once again bring their own special magic to proceedings - yes, a little rough round the edges, but with such talent, heart, humour and charm that you don’t care.

Of course, for ‘A Mirror Crack’d’ you need a good, strong Jane Marple to root the narrative, and Jane Sinclair is perfectly sweet-but-just-a-bit-wicked in the role. I especially loved the dynamic between her and Chief Inspector Craddock - played here by the always-marvellous Phil Cockell. Between them, they set out to solve the murder of Heather Leigh (Julia Harman), who ends up dead after attending a movie star’s party at Gossington Hall.

Special mention for Jess Hughes, who is wonderfully soulful and broken as the actress Marina Gregg. I also loved Julie Moss who adds fun and colour as Dolly Bantry, and Daniel Greenwood who plays the new character of ‘Giuseppe the butler’ with flair, Italian accent, magnificent moustache and somewhat distracting trousers.

I could go on. But in the interest of brevity, let me just say that it’s a great performance from all cast members, with Director Kat Metcalfe pulling it all together nicely.

Yes, the opening scene could be a little sharper (a few too many “what’s happened” for my liking) and I would have liked some incidental music in places just for depth, but these are very minor things.

It remains a fantastic version of this murder mystery and an absolute joy to watch.

In fact, I can offer no higher praise than to say that my sister - theatre buddy for the night and avid Agatha Christie fan - thoroughly enjoyed the show too. So, bravo.

I can’t wait to see what this theatre company does next.

PS: I just want to note that BSEODS always produce a well-designed and thought-out programme to accompany the show and that just fills my heart with joy. Please never stop doing that!

A Mirror Crack’d is at Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds until 18 October.

FOR SHOW DETAILS AND BOOKING LINK, CLICK HERE