This year marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Agatha Christie. To commemorate the event the Marlowe Players will be presenting one of the Queen of Crime’s “newer” plays.
The Stranger was written in 1932 but has only recently been released for performance. The Marlowes will be one of only a handful of amateur companies producing the play.
Director Suzi Illston says: “As it’s 50 years since Agatha Christie’s death I started to look at her plays and found The Stranger. I’ve never produced one of her plays before.
“The Stranger is an adaptation of Philomel Cottage which is said to be one of her most chilling early short stories. It became the standout piece in the UK collection The Listerdale Mystery. Mrs Christie regarded it as one of her most successful shorter works.
“It’s a psychological thriller with well-defined characters who change over the course of the play. A small, experienced cast are really enjoying their roles. It should be a great night’s entertainment.”
The Stranger features Enid who has been engaged for seven years. She is looking for a spark in her lacklustre life. The handsome and charming Gerald Strange appears. Is he the answer to her wishes or a path to disaster?
Jo Greene is playing Enid. Audiences may remember her from her role as Katherine, the dresser in Peter Quilter’s comedy The Actress which the Marlowes performed in March last year.
She also appeared with Chatsworth Players in 2023 as Hippolyta in William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Enid is the biggest part Jo has played and she admits she had reservations before accepting the role.
“I’m a commercial lawyer and work full-time. If I do a job I invest in it and want to do it properly.
“I love the character of Enid, a woman frustrated with her lot. She likes to take risks but they may backfire on her. And what’s not to like about Agatha Christie?
“The Stranger is hard work but it’s also great fun.”
The play will be performed at Darley Abbey Village Hall from Tuesday March 24th to Saturday March 28th at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 and are available at www.ticketsource.co.uk or by calling 0333 666 4466.
