Melbourne Reviews

A loud burst of foreboding music as the lights go down on Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None is an effective jump scare for the audience – and an apt scene setter.

Whether you’re a lover of theatrical thrillers or have never seen one before, this production of the best-selling mystery novel of all time has something to pique your interest.

And Then There Were None tells the story of ten strangers who are invited to a solitary mansion on an island off the English coast. Cut off from the mainland, the true reason for their presence on the island becomes, all too quickly, horribly clear.

Something that immediately situates the audience in this story is the set. It is both beautiful and realistic, cleverly designed and skillfully executed. It serves the narrative well in its adaptability to reflect the different moods throughout the play, assisted by effective lighting, most notably contributing to the sense of oppression as the play goes on.

Another element that really draws the audience in is the staging of the deaths. Some are dramatic and bold, and some more subtle and chilling – it’s a good mix that comes together through clever stagecraft and expert execution. It is thrilling to have deaths staged right in front of you that you don’t notice until it’s too late.

This is part of the expertise in Agatha Christie's writing, that you as an audience member are on the same journey to hurriedly try and identify the killer that the characters are. Likewise, the same way that the characters’ assumptions and prejudices become apparent through who they suspect, we too become aware of our assumptions as we try to unmask the killer. Who do I trust? Who do I suspect? Why?

The play is a fantastic ensemble piece and was done justice with a strong ensemble cast. The standout performance was Mia Morrissey as Vera Claythorne, whose presence, grace and honesty in her performance made her captivating to watch. Honourable mentions to Tom Stokes as Philip Lombard and Grant Piro as Rogers.

And Then There Were None is an interesting exploration of sin, guilt, morality and the cost of taking a human life. These dark themes are well balanced with high entertainment value in a production that leaves its audience horrified, pensive and entertained all at once.