The Hollow

by Agatha Christie

Directed by Sandra Griswold

Christie's classic...

Stourbridge Theatre Company's atmospheric dramatisation of classic Agatha Christie whodunit The Hollow proved a big hit with theatregoers

Director Sandra Griswold's version of the famous crime writer's witty thriller about a murder at a country house was a treat, gripping audience members at Stourbridge Town Hall from start to finish.

The realistic and functional set - designed and constructed by Tim French, Paul Hingley and Ken Gristwood - was most impressive.

And stage regulars Keith Jones and Sandra Pope as Sir Henry and Lady Lucy Angkatell led a strong cast comprising seasoned stage regulars and a few new faces. Together they helped to bring to life the believable and intriguing plot which sees almost every guest at The Hollow country house in possession of a motive for murder.

Stephen Clark was particularly scintillating as Dr John Cristow - although he was bumped off all too soon, prompting the arrival of the ever watchable and entertaining Alex Long as Columbo-like ingenious detective Inspector Colquhoun. Liz Sparke was thoroughly credible as hard working singleton hoping for a happy ending, Midge Harvey; and Susanne Homer gave a first class performance as Dr Cristow's mistress Henrietta Angkatel.

Rosie Jennings spiced things up as seductive Hollywood actress Veronica Craye, the first love of Dr Cristow. But it was Kaye Senior who had the most interesting role as the doctor's wife Gerda Cristow. Her transition from dotting, dithering partner to a woman scorned when the egotistical doctor's former lover arrives on the scene was brilliant. As was the twist at the end of the play, which sees a vengeful Gerda forced to drink her own poison.

Another success for STC: there was nothing "hollow" about this outing.

Bev Holder

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