Verdict

VERDICT

By Agatha Christie

The Agatha Christie Theatre Company

This theatre production reprises Agatha Christie’s last ever stage play, written in 1958.

It is a gripping, but also thoughtful story rather different from the usual offerings from this most famous writer of crime fiction. Set probably in the 1950s, the tale concerns a brilliant and idealistic Professor, Karl Hendryck, who, having fled from Eastern Europe because of persecution, has settled in Bloomsbury, teaching at a London University.

His invalid wife is looked after by her cousin Lisa and a maid. But this contented household is disrupted when the professor is persuaded to take on a new pupil, the headstrong Helen, daughter of a very rich man, who is used to always getting what she wants. A murder inevitably ensues.

There is a very strong cast of actors and actresses who handle their lines and directions with tremendous professionalism. These include a cameo appearance from the ancient and excellent Peter Byrne whose acting career goes all the way back to playing Andy Crawford in Dixon of Dock Green.

Mercy and justice

But, contra the usual Christie, the interest in the yarn centres not around a detective unravelling the mystery of who committed the crime; the audience know the answer to that question immediately. Instead, it becomes a story, almost a philosophical piece, which probes the relationship between mercy and justice. The stance of the likeable, laissez-faire, liberal actually does damage.

In particular, the scenario raises questions concerning showing too much mercy, while at the same time challenging those who are cynical of justice, as they argue, ‘What good will it do? It won’t bring the dead person back to life’.

This play shows the immense talent of Agatha Christie. In contrast to most of her other work, there is an ambivalent ending. There is also a question for the audience to ponder at a time when, following the summer’s looting spree, law and order is seen to be under threat in our society.

JEB

The production is due to be on tour in Coventry, Darlington, Windsor and Swansea during October and November.