REVIEW

A Murder Is Announced

Bolton Little Theatre

Runs until Saturday

THIS is a thoroughly entertaining whodunnit in true Agatha Christie style.

The author's talent to keep the audience guessing with a series of clever twists and turns was clearly in evidence. The gasps from the audience were testament not only to the sharp writing, but a talented cast's ability to do it justice.

In fact, you knew the mystery had the audience gripped by muttered discussions at the interval as to the possible identity of the play's murderer.

Undertaking any murder mystery is tricky for any theatre company, not least because the success of the whole show lies in the ability to keep the suspense alive and the identity of the murderer a secret until the very end.

The beauty of Christie is that she does drop cryptic clues along the way, which keeps the audience's brain cells ticking over throughout.

The mystery is set in Christie's era, and Bolton Little Theatre managed to create an atmosphere wonderfully evocative of the 1930s, using not only a terrific set and costumes, but the lovely idea of introducing scenes with a BBC radio announcer of the day.

It is a nice touch and sees the play split into "six instalments", each of which is introduced by the announcer, Michael Tatman, perfect in his role.

There is not one weak performance among the cast. June Grice is excellent as Letitia Blacklock, while Rachel Hadjigeorgiou gives a strong performance as Julia Simmons.

Rita Mayoh is a lovely Miss Marple, and special mention must also go to Sue Coutts as the wonderfully vague Dora Bunner and to Cath Blower who gives a fantastic performance as flamboyant Hungarian Mitzi.

Andrew Close's direction ensures the tension remains taut throughout, and mention must be made to the choice of spine-tingling music which blasts in between scenes, adding to the whole suspense.

I will not reveal any of the plot for fear of giving anything away. Go see it for yourself -- it is fun and provides great exercise for the mind.

Beverly Greenberg