The Verdict @ Darlington Civic

I have to admit that whilst I profess to being reasonably literate and enjoy a wide range of reading material in the bookcases at home, I have yet to enter into the realms of Agatha Christie - no particular reason, I've just found more appealing titles grab my attention first. 

Of course I am aware of the blockbusting films based on her famous novels but Monday night presented the opportunity to sample first hand a play written by Ms Christie specifically for the stage.

Verdict is very different from the standard fayre associated with Agatha Christie; for one, it is not a whodunit, we are presented first hand with the situation & witness the act with no sense of mystery.  It is more like a melodrama but this in no way detracts from the exquisite word play and character depth.

The play tells the story of Karl Hendryk, a brilliant professor who, with his wife and her cousin, have fled persecution in their country. The professor is happy to devote his time to life in a British university, where he becomes much sought after by students & teachers alike. His wife, Anya, is an invalid who resents having to leave her home & follow her husband to London.  She readily recognises her dependency on her husband and cousin, Lise, and teeters on the brink of suicidal tendencies. Whilst Karl and Lise have suppressed feelings for each other their love for Anya prevents them ever acting on these however when a rich young rich student, Helen Rollander, takes on private lessons with the professor the status quo is permanently upset.

The story plays out completely in the professors flat, there are no scene changes; this really draws you into the characters' world and adds to the intensity , especially when Anya laments being 'trapped' in a dull & soulless place. 

The cast, who arguably have much less to work with than in other Christie productions have, in my view, more scope to deliver themselves into the parts; the lack of plot twists, secrets and subterfuge demands more emotionally charged deliveries to keep the story moving and Monday's players did not disappoint at all. 

Robert Duncan plays the man who loves 2 women and is loved by 3 with an almost innocent 'absent minded professor' approach creating a beautiful yet pitiful vulnerability.  Susan Penhaligon  delivered an emotionally charged Lise beset with frustration, devotion and despair - of all the productions I have seen this year Susan's was undoubtedly the most moving.  Holly Goss, as the spoilt little rich girl Helen Rollander provides a wonderful twist on the femme fatale whilst Mark Wynter as Dr Stone adds pace and friendly direction through Karl's emotionally intense musings.  Just to balance this seriousness, Elizabeth Power's house keeper Mrs Roper has a wonderful timing, cutting through the tension as she 'eases the burden'  of there being too much tea in the house.

If you're looking for a classic Christie murder mystery then this is not for you, however if you want a wonderfully engaging play, more a why-do-it than a whodunit, and delivered by a great cast then look no further.

Agatha Christie's Verdict is at Darlington Civic Theatre from 26th Sept to 1st October