A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED 2026

PRODUCTION PHOTOS

PROGRAMME

NODA REPORT

Dryburn Theatrical Workshop delivered a slick, intelligent and thoroughly entertaining production of Agatha Christie’s A Murder Is Announced, adapted for the stage by Leslie Darbon. From the intriguing newspaper notice that sets the plot in motion to the dramatic final revelation, the company sustained the audience’s curiosity and allowed the story’s many twists, concealed identities and shifting suspicions to unfold with admirable clarity.

The action moved at a confident pace without sacrificing the detail necessary for the mystery to make sense, and the careful placement of characters with very well thought out direction from Michelle Coulson ensured that reactions remained visible and meaningful. Entrances, exits and moments of stillness were handled with precision, creating a natural rhythm while steadily tightening the tension. Just as importantly, the comedy arose from character rather than being forced, giving welcome light and shade to the darker developments.

The single interior setting was both attractive and highly functional, establishing the period atmosphere of Miss Blacklock’s Victorian house while providing the cast with a believable space in which to play the increasingly complicated action. The attention to detail in the furnishings and properties helped create a convincing domestic world and supported the plot rather than distracting from it, with appropriate furniture, furnishings and even a working lamp and chandelier.

Costumes were excellent throughout, clearly rooted in the 1950 period and carefully chosen to reflect the personalities and circumstances of the characters. Lighting and sound were used effectively to punctuate the play’s sudden shifts in mood, particularly as the anticipated “murder” became a reality. The technical team contributed to a smooth, polished presentation, and the production’s visual coherence gave the whole evening a professional finish.

This is an ensemble piece, and the production’s success rested on the strength and discipline of the entire cast. Each performer created a distinct and recognisable character, with well-observed relationships and convincing reactions ensuring that suspicion could fall plausibly in several directions. The performers understood Christie’s particular blend of social comedy and menace, playing the dialogue with crisp timing while never losing sight of the genuine stakes beneath the civilised surface.

Miss Blacklock played by Annette Morris provided a commanding centre for the play, combining poise with an underlying vulnerability that kept the audience alert to every possibility. Miss Marple’s played by Karen Scott, quiet intelligence and gentle persistence were beautifully contrasted with Inspector Craddock’s methodical authority, played by Lee Passmoor, while the household and village characters supplied an engaging range of eccentricity, humour and unease. Dora Bunner played by Kay Anderson had clever dialogue providing clues and red herrings throughout, with the glamourous Julia Simmons played by Emma Coulson.  Patrick Simmons was played by Chris Coates and Philippa Haymes an intriguing character throughout, was played by Sarah Pearson.  The volative, lively and humourous Mitzi played by Jillaine Reay-Hindson was a delight, with the comedic Sergeant Mellors played by Gary Eglington.  Mrs Swettenham played by Abbey Stephenson was a commanding figure with Edmund Swettenham being played by Phil Martin.  Across the company, diction was consistently clear, concentration was strong and the listening on stage was especially impressive—an essential quality in a mystery where every glance, eyebrow raise and pause may matter.

This was a clever and accomplished staging of a classic murder mystery. Excellent direction, a handsome set, carefully considered costumes and confident technical work gave the talented cast the ideal framework in which to succeed. The result was an absorbing, polished production that respected Christie’s intricate plotting while keeping the audience engaged and entertained throughout. Congratulations to everyone at Dryburn Theatrical Workshop on a most enjoyable evening of theatre.  You certainly had me guessing (completely incorrectly!) until the very end.

Author: Helen Abraham