Review: Love From A Stranger
Barrie Theobald • Published 30 Apr 2010 09:00
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LOUISE Page's adaptation of Agatha Christie's short story Philomel Cottage did not need the services of a Belgian detective or busy-body spinster to solve the plot.
Indeed, it was apparent quite early who the villain of the piece was and, of course, someone was sure to die before the final curtain!
Alix (Chloe Newson) and Gerald (David Michaels) fell for each other at first sight and Alix certainly fell for the remote, attractive cottage with its spacious garden tended by the rustic gardener George (Struan Rodgers).
The mutual attraction between the young couple left the way clear for Fran (Dido Miles) to set her heart on winning the attention of Alix's ex-fiancé, Dick (Peter Moreton), even though her efforts were not reciprocated.
A newspaper report of the original London production of the play (by a different author) spoke of members of the audience passing out as the suspense built up to the final denouement and while, happily, this didn't happen during this production, it is fair to say that in true Christie fashion, the mounting tensions and, of course, the twisting story-line all added up to a very enjoyable evening's entertainment.
At The Mill At Sonning until Saturday, May 22
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 29 Apr 10
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