One of Agatha Christie’s most famous and ingenious works, And Then There Were None is a story about ten strangers invited to a secluded island under different pretences. Once there, they discover that their mysterious host is absent and that they are accused of past crimes.
As they begin to die one by one, following the pattern of an eerie nursery rhyme, the survivors realise the killer is among them. With no escape, paranoia and tension mount as they try to uncover the murderer before it’s too late.
Renowned for her previous success with Christie’s The Mousetrap, director Robyn Nevin again, demonstrates her exceptional directorial prowess, delivering a gripping and atmospheric rendition of this classic mystery.
Nevin’s direction masterfully balances the story’s inherent darkness with moments of sharp wit, creating a dynamic and engaging performance. As with The Mousetrap, her insightful interpretation taps into the psychological complexities of Christie’s narrative.
Bringing to life Christie’s intricate web of secrets and lies is a stellar ensemble cast. Jack Bannister as Anthony Marston is the embodiment of reckless arrogance, his charisma masking a callous disregard for morality. His brief but striking presence sets the tone for the horrors that follow.
Eden Falk’s Dr. Armstrong is a study in nervous energy, his descent into paranoia expertly conveyed through his jittery physicality and shifting expressions. Jennifer Flowers delivers a formidable turn as Emily Brent, her unflinching self-righteousness making her all the more sinister, while Nicholas Hammond’s General MacKenzie is deeply affecting, infusing the character with a level of melancholic fatalism.
Navigating the complexities of her character with remarkable nuance, Mia Morrissey’s Vera Claythorne oscillates between vulnerability, determination and ultimate despair. As Philip Lombard, Tom Stokes exhibits a roguish confidence and moral ambiguity to perfection.
Peter O’Brien’s William Blore transforms from bravado to desperation. Christen O’Leary and Grant Piro, as the ill-fated Mr and Mrs Rogers, create an eerily subdued presence that underscores the creeping dread. Finally, Anthony Phelan’s Sir Lawrence Wargrave commands the stage with quiet authority, exuding a sinister intelligence that builds toward a shocking yet inevitable revelation.
Drawing inspiration from Richard Neutra’s Lovell House, Dale Ferguson’s set deign is visually stunning. From the moment the curtain rises, audiences are immersed in the elegant yet isolated world of Soldier Island, a grand living space with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame an endless expanse of sea and sky. Ferguson’s costuming further immerse the audience in Christie’s world, evoking a time of rigid class structures.
For lovers of whodunnits and compelling storytelling, And Then There Were None is a must-see, exceling in creating a captivating and suspenseful experience for its audience.
And Then There Were None
Comedy Theatre, 240 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
Performance: Sunday 23 February 2025
Season continues to 23 March 2025
Bookings: www.ticketek.com.au
Following the Melbourne season, And Then There Were None will play the Theatre Royal Sydney from 3 May, His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth from 8 June and Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide from 2 August 2025. For more information, visit: www.andthentherewerenone.com.au for details.
Images: Jennifer Flowers, Peter O’Brien, Eden Falk, Anthony Phelan, Tom Stokes, Mia Morrissey and Nicholas Hammond in And Then There Were None – photo by Jeff Busby | Mia Morrissey, Jennifer Flowers, Anthony Phelan, Eden Falk, Christen O’Leary, Grant Piro and Nicholas Hammond in And Then There Were None – photo by Jeff Busby