Following their acclaimed rendition of Avenue Q, Your Chance Productions masterfully takes on Agatha Christie’s classic ‘The Hollow,’ delivering a spellbinding performance that kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
Adapted from 1946 novel of the same name, this who-done-it revolves around a weekend gathering at the country home of Sir Henry (James Ash) and Lady Angkatell (Jackie Cooper), where tensions among the guests culminate in the murder of Dr. John Cristow (Graham Buchanan). As the investigation unfolds, it is revealed that nearly everyone had a motive to kill Cristow, including his wife, Gerda (Philippa Buchanan), his mistress Henrietta (Samantha Badman), and his former lover Veronica (Hayley Wood). The plot thickens with twists and turns, as Inspector Colquhoun (Jeff Tullin) and Sergeant Penny (Will Morgan) work to unravel the complex web of relationships and deceit, ultimately leading to the surprising revelation of the true murderer.
Martin Weston as Edward Angkatell, Chantelle Ruston as Midge Harvey, and Dan Bates as Gudgeon completed the talented cast. Graham Buchanan, who effortlessly breathed life into the script, injected the stage with much-needed humour and personality, though it was a slimy personality that the characters on stage could easily resent. His portrayal of Dr. John Cristow was captivating, making him the standout performer of the evening. Philippa Buchanan delivered an incredibly passionate performance in the second act, eliciting pin-drop silence from the audience during her intense scenes of grief, a moment which I can still see and hear vividly as I write these words.
Jeff Tullin’s performance as Inspector Colquhoun Brough believable gravitas to the role, portraying the inspector with a meticulous and thoughtful approach. Jackie Cooper's portrayal of Lady Angkatell was convincingly insane, bringing a bucket-load of eccentricity to the role, although at times she seemed a bit too far removed from the rest of the production. The romantic subplot between Martin Weston and Chantelle Ruston showcased these actors at their finest, with a believable and complex onstage relationship that was well-developed.
The set, costumes, and performance style were beautifully reminiscent of the time period, immersing the audience in the 1940s atmosphere. However, the actors could have utilised the space more effectively, as there were moments of masking and a noticeable hesitance to stand at the front of the stage. Despite these minor staging issues, the cast delivered their lines with precision and commendable rehearsal, managing to remember the sheer volume of dialogue required for this complex play.
Director and founder of Your Chance Productions, Jessica McLean, excels at, and should be thanked for, uniting community actors and giving them the opportunity to stage wonderful and varied plays. Their next challenge is Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night in December 2024. It is well known in amateur theatre that a murder mystery will fill an auditorium, but engaging that audience is a challenge this ensemble took on head-first. Throughout the interval, the audience buzzed with attempts to solve the mystery, and the second act was filled with murmurs as each new clue was revealed.
This production of ‘The Hollow’ was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The performance was solid, and the cast and crew should be immensely proud of their achievement. The show was filled with memorable moments and strong individual performances, making it a worthwhile evening at the theatre. If you’re a fan of Agatha Christie’s work or a supporter of local theatre, this adaptation is certainly worth seeing. Running at the Duchess Theatre, Chatsworth Arts Centre, Long Eaton from the 29th to the 31st of July 2024.
Comentarios