Review by Paul Towers, 16/3/26
The Mirror Crack’d by Agatha Christie,
adapted by Rachel Wagstaff
Directed by Mary Jones
Produced by Leicester Drama Society
At The Little Theatre til Saturday 21st
March 2026
Once again Leicester Drama Society has staged
a cracking (pun intended) Agatha Christie murder mystery in The Mirror Crack’d.
Set in 1962 with the action moving between
Miss Marple’s cottage, Gossington Hall and the film studios this is a typical Christie
full of red herrings. Just when you think you know who dunnit, another suspect
becomes more plausible.
Very cleverly set designer Tristan Knowles
and lighting designers Jenny Harding & Martin Scott make switching between
the various locations seamless on a single set.
As to the plot, and without giving any
spoilers, Miss Jane Marple (Elizabeth Pendlove) is laid up with a sprained
ankle which means her friend Dolly Bantry (Karen Gorden) does all the running
around for her while Cherry Baker (Katie Apted) helps run the house. Coinciding
with the arrival of Jane’s nephew Chief Inspector Caddock (Pavan Maru) a murder
occurs at Gossington Hall when Heather Leigh (Leanne Mitchell), super fan of
film star Marina Greg (Holly Matusiewicz) dies. Marina is starring in a production at the Hall
along with ingenue Lola Brewster (Rachael Humphry). Marina’s husband, Jason
Rudd (Gwyn Johston-Wright) is directing the film and, it has to be said, being
over-protective of his wife. Marina also has two factotums, Giuseppi Renzon
(Martin Bell), butler and Ella Zielinsky (Angelica Robinson) her PA.
As the evening progresses old dormant secrets
bubble up and murders occur.
As always the acting is superb and you will
be as baffled as I was right up to the closing scene.
The Mirror Crack’d is at The Little Theatre
until Saturday 21March.
Pics: Jonathan Pryke
https://thelittletheatre.co.uk/
https://ptheatre.blogspot.com/
