“And Then There Were None” by Encore Performing Arts
The Space, Nottingham Girls High School.

Even though I have seen this particular play several times before, and knew who did the dastardly deed, you still can’t beat revisiting the writing excellence of the Queen of Murder Mysteries. That is the secret with plays like this, the writing is the best of its kind, which is also why this is the most popular of Christie’s stories.

Ten strangers, apparently with little in common, are lured to an island mansion off the coast of Devon by the mysterious U.N.Owen. Over dinner, a record begins to play, and the voice of an unseen host accuses each person of hiding a guilty secret. That evening, former reckless driver Tony Marston is found murdered by a deadly dose of cyanide.

The tension escalates as the survivors realise the killer is not only among them but is one of them and is preparing to strike again… and again...and again. Who, if anyone, will survive?

There are two endings to this play and this is the original ending, which originally was deemed too dark to play out, so if you’ve seen one version of this play, it’ll be worth booking your ticket to see if this ending is the same as the one that you know.

In fact there are many reasons for booking your ticket to see Encore's version of "And Then There Were None"

First of all the gorgeous venue. One of the most stylish theatre spaces I've seen in a long while. Bright and airy and so clean. The auditorium, one of several, boasts really comfy seats with plenty of leg room and a deceptively large stage. And Encore are the first external theatre company to use this venue, and are now calling it their new home. I know that they will flourish even more in this wonderful new place.

That is another thing that gave the "WOW" factor as soon as the curtains opened. One of the best, if not the best set I have seen for this play. Large, in all dimensions, Richard Heappey.

making the set itself look uncluttered, fresh and modern.An incredible feast for the eyes courtesy of set designer

Mina Machin has done Encore proud with the wonderfully stylish and classy costumes.

What I also loved about this production was the way the tension built up with the aid of the incidental music. There were times when my flesh really started to creep. Great atmospherics.

Little Directorial touches kept the production fresh, and I loved the ending, and the way that when the cast took their final bows completely in character. Another smash success for Adam Guest and Sam Griffiths, who I believe to be two of local theatre's most talented Producer/Director combo.

And what a brilliant and well chosen cast. Most of them I've had the pleasure of seeing in the past but there's also a few new faces which slotted in perfectly.

Aston Fisher, almost unrecognisable as secretary Vera Claythorne, Mik Horvath as ex soldier Phillip Lombard, Duncan Leech as ex police inspector William Blore, George Johnson, someone I don't think I've seen before, was wonderfully arrogant as the boy racer Anthony Marston.

Returning to the Encore fold is Terry Stevenson as General Mackenzie, Kathryn McAuley is marvellous as the pious elderly Emily Brent. Steve Dunning is a class act as Sir Lawrence Wargrave and Graham Buchanangives another classy but edgy performance as Dr Armstrong.

Making a solid debut in his first amateur production in Nottingham is Chris Mundy as the manservant, Rogers. Rogers wife is played by Milly Shawcross, who makes her debut on stage. No stranger to local theatre is Milly though as she normally excels at working behind the scenes. Thank goodness she has

stepped into the spotlight in this first time board treading Both Chris and Milly also managed the Devonshire accent well.

Encore Productions have covered a lot of ground in the last couple of years since they started but every production build on the success of the previous. This one following on from the incredibly funny “Avenue Q” earlier this year. The next three productions they have planned will carry on their "sky's the limit" success story.

Encore have also chosen their preferred charity for this production to raise funds for as Literacy Volunteers. The charity assist young people with their literacy, communication and social skills by working in partnership with schools by providing trained and supported volunteers who make reading and communicating enjoyable to those at risk of disengaging from education.

“And Then There Were None” is at The Space, Nottingham Girls High School until Saturday 21 October 2017. Do not miss this production, even if you've seen previous productions, this one could be the best to date, easily rivalling any professional touring production.