PUT your tongues firmly in your cheeks, sit back and enjoy.

I've never been able to take Agatha Christie's plays too seriously, so director Andrew Close's irreverent treatment of this famous thriller -- once named differently in a pre-politically correct world -- suited me admirably.

It keeps true to the text, all the twists and turns of the plot are there and it's also very funny.

Close has assembled a splendid cast to portray the assorted characters stranded in a house on an island, who are murdered one by one.

The murderer matches his dastardly deeds to the children's rhyme about Ten Little...... well Indians!

Mark Leigh gets many of the laughs as the facetious Captain Lombard, and so does Michael Hope as William Blore, the non-too-bright ex-bobby.

Michael Tatman is a splendid judge, and Christine Pierce-Jones a suitably straight-laced spinster.

Helen Price-Aindow is glamorous as the secretary and makes the change from sophisticate to hysteric with style.

Bob Howell does stirling work, going quietly mad as General Mackenzie and John O'Connell is suitably edgy as the specialist in 'nerves'.

Special mention must be made of Gary Harvey who achieves a splendid death scene. To reveal how might spoil your enjoyment.

Completing this talented cast are Tom Power, Sue Bolus and Steve Caine.

At first flush this seemed an odd choice for festive fare. But it's a thoroughly enjoyable evening of theatre.

Be warned: many nights are already fully booked.

Doreen Crowther.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.