CARDS ON THE TABLE. Agatha Christie’s two-act murder mystery. Adapted for stage by Leslie Darbon. Direction/Sets Jane Philbrick. Costumes/Set Barrie Howard. Technicals Gary Fargher, John Howland. Presented by Fish Hoek Dramatic Society. The Masque Theatre 6 – 8 April. SHEILA CHISHOLM reviews final dress rehearsal.
Published in England in 1936, Agatha Christie’s Cards on the Table was her 20th detective novel. In her book the crime solving team featured Belgain detective Hercule Poirot, Constable Race and Superintendent Battle.
In her adaptation from novel to play Leslie Darbon, sensibly, decided few, if any, actors could match the inimitable moustachioed David Suchet who was so associated as Poirot through movie and TV productions, she eliminated him. Instead, she retained Superintendent Battle (Chris Bingham) as, the rather dry, humourless, murder solving detective.
Humorous barbs, red herrings
The story is typical Christie. A large cast (13), humorous barbs, red herrings in a convoluted story ending with more unanswered questions than answers.
Time frame is London in 1935. Venues are Shaitana’s drawing-room (Aubrey Hindle); Dr Robert’s surgery (Thomas Bowman); Wendon Lodge attractive home shared by “comfortably off” Rhoda Dawes (Michaela Richards) with “hard-up” Anne Meredith (Grace Brain); Mrs Oliver’s flat (Belinda Batt) and Mrs Lorrimer’s drawing-room (Sandy Gee).
Director Jane Philbrick assisted by Barrie Howard succeeded, where many haven’t, in dividing The Masque’s small stage into six reasonably sized individual rooms. Although space was tight and, on occasion, one actor another masked another, movement wasn’t too restricted. Because well trained backstage crews lost little time swopping furniture, continuity “held” during many scene changes. Well done! Now what’s needed are blackouts to happen swiftly, ensuring the odd “freeze” happens in darkness not twilight.
A knowledge of bridge would help
The story centres around Shaitana – a rare object collector – who has invited Anne Meredith, Mrs Lorrimer, Dr Roberts, Major Daspard (Robert Shenton) to his house, apparently to play bridge (a knowledge of bridge’s language would help understand certain elements around solving the murder). Crime writer and amateur sleuth Mrs Oliver is also included, but only, as an observer of Shaitana’s guests. He believes each committed murder sometime in their past and wants to catch them out.
When Shaitana falls victim of his own guile, Superintendent Battle arrives to solve the mystery. Battle is a major role and Bingham, (although rather solid, sometimes slow to pick up cues and limited in arm movements), delivered every word and line with exceptional clarity. As in fact did the entire cast. Speaking with exceptional definition not a word was lost. Congratulations!
Granted, the performance I attended was the final dress rehearsal and not opening night, none-the-less one would have expected the cast (particularly Belinda Batt) to be word perfect. Doubtless by first night those problems won’t recur.
Despite her memory lapses, Batt give a most amusing performance as Mrs Oliver. Wearing gorgeous flamboyant outfits, her strong voice, vitality excellent eye and facial expression, made her Mrs Oliver a kindred spirit to the great Agatha herself.
Although rather stiff in bearing, as Dr Robert, Bowman’s self-confident air, gave an impression he had gleaned others deep “secrets” through his medical practice and was prepared to use them if the need arose. His secretary Miss Burgess (Helen Mathers) turned in a delightful cameo answering the telephone to a patient requiring some information.
Quietly spoken, wearing the most elegant garments, Gee’s Mrs Lorrimer spoke of wealth and a formidable knowledge of bridge. She has a hidden secret. So too does Anne. Brain’s mask as a sweet, innocent young thing in her 20’s, hid a liar and a thief, willing to do what was necessary to keep these hidden. Particularly from her flatmate Rhoda – a charming (uncomplicated) Richards, who wasn’t averse to “walking out” with young, dashing Shenton.
Years earlier, as Major Despard, he had been accused of murdering a party member while out exploring and hunting. In smaller parts, Mathew Sellier as Constable O’Conner, Bronwyn Carter as Doris, Mrs Lorrimer’s maid and window cleaner Stephens (Jeff Batt) acquitted themselves well. As well as the mentioned memory lapses, one or two technical glitches occurred. These are sure to be sorted out for formal performances. So do trot to The Masque Theatre. An Agatha Christie mystery is always good for a theatre outing.
What: Cards on the Table
Who: Fish Hoek Dramatic Society
Where: The Masque Theatre, Cape Town
When: 6, 7 April, 8pm. 8 April, 2.30pm and 6.30pm
Book: 021 788 1898, bookings@masquetheatre.co.za
WS
