Phoenix Variety and Music Group took on the ambitious task of bringing Agatha Christie’s classic mystery And Then There Were None to life, offering a unique and engaging evening of theatre in a cabaret-style setting, though it faced a few challenges along the way.
Costume Design was one of the highlights, with Lukas Barker’s work capturing the essence of the era and the characters beautifully. Each outfit reflected the personalities and backgrounds of the characters and enhanced the overall atmosphere of the play.
Several performances stood out, particularly Deidre Quinn as Emily Brent. Quinn’s performance was a strong reflection of her character’s self-righteousness, with a stern and morally superior demeanour. John Kavanagh, as Rodgers, maintained his character’s professionalism while subtly revealing the cracks of fear and desperation as the story progressed. Julie Wilkins brought a fresh take to the role of Antonia Marston, originally written as a male character, with a performance that was edgy and distinct – so much so that it was hard to recognise that she also appeared as Patricia Narracott in the beginning of the show.
There were some inconsistencies with the accents, particularly with David Richardson’s Blore, who began with an unexpected American accent instead of the anticipated South African one. However, his switch to a British accent later in the performance was well-executed. Additionally, some of the movements on stage felt a bit contrived, and there were moments when dialogue was difficult to hear due to actors speaking too quickly or not loudly enough.
The General’s portrayal by Joshua Paterson featured a slow and deliberate movement when sitting and rising, contrasting with sudden rushes across the stage, which added to his character’s psychological turmoil. However, some of these movements felt uneven and could benefit from more consistency.
The set design was well thought out, providing a fitting backdrop for the unfolding drama and murders. Ambience in the audience was enhanced by thoughtful touches such as, candles and clues on the cabaret-style round tables and bloodied table numbers. This created an engaging and immersive atmosphere for the audience.
However, there were technical challenges that occasionally disrupted the flow. These included a hangman’s rope coming down unexpectedly, curtains not closing properly, and a door left ajar, revealing offstage activity. There were also issues with lighting and sound effects, such as a missing gunshot at a crucial moment when Lombard was killed.
Despite these hurdles, the audience remained engaged, using the scene changes and late start as an opportunity to share food, beverages, and thoughts on the mystery. The cabaret-style enriched the experience, giving the evening a communal feel.
Overall, while the production had its strong points – particularly in costume and set design, as well as some good performances – it also had areas that could benefit from tightening and polishing. Phoenix Variety and Music Group’s And Then There Were None was enjoyed by the full house on opening night.
