Murderous date is no secret in Christie play

Agatha Christie’s A Murder is Announced will set your mind reeling.

Ian Dickens Productions International will perform the play at Gordon Craig Theatre this month.

The villagers of Chipping Cleghorn are agog with curiosity over an advertisement in the local gazette. It reads: “A murder is announced and will take place on Friday, October 29 at Little Paddocks at 6.30pm.”

Is it a childish practical joke or a hoax intended to scare Letitia Blacklock?

Unable to resist the mysterious invitation, a crowd begins to gather at Little Paddocks at the appointed time when, without warning, the lights go out...

What follows is a classic Christie puzzle of mixed motives, concealed identities, a determined Inspector grimly following the twists and turns and the inimitable Miss Marple on hand to provide the final solution in a dramatic confrontation scene just before the final curtain.

Said to be one of Agatha Christie’s best mysteries, this production boasts a fascinating cast of characters and an affectionate picture of a post Second World War English village.

It stars Dean Gaffney who plays Robbie Jackson in Eastenders, Gemma Bissix who is Clare Devine in Hollyoaks, Katy Manning who was Doctor Who’s assistant Jo Grant, John Collins from ‘Allo, ‘Allo and Geraldine Newman from Ever Decreasing Circles.

Performances are from Tuesday, February 12 to Saturday, February 16 at 7.45pm. There are also matinee shows on the Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm.

Ticket prices start at £16. To book yours call the Gordon Craig Theatre’s box office on 01438 363200 or visit www.gordon-craig.co.uk