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Summer 2007

A Murder is Announced

Our gamble of putting on a summer production for the first time has paid off, with two very successful performances.

On Friday, 29 June, we performed for the Women’s Institute in Warboys, to an audience of around 80. The WI paid us a flat fee to cover our costs, and made a profit that they were delighted with. They’ve invited us to return.

The next day, 30 June, we were at the Medway Centre in Huntingdon. We’re very grateful to the manager there, Derek Adams, who gave us free use of the hall, in recognition of the Club’s contribution to the community. The audience was the same size as on Friday (although a week earlier we’d only sold about 20 tickets!), and this time the profits were ours.

Congratulations to Kelly Mason on her directorial debut – she brought everything together very successfully, and kept her cool despite the pressures and provocations. Carol Wadey assisted her very ably (as well as playing a highly convincing Miss Marple), and John Morgan produced, putting in hours of effort to make sure everything went smoothly. We’ve got several other backstage people to thank, in particular Ann Monk, who, as well as acting, did a lot of work with costumes and props (even creating a Dresden shepherd and shepherdess).

The cast of twelve, which included three people acting for the first time with the Club, performed convincingly, and audience reactions and feedback have been very positive (despite a few minor hiccups!).

I think the Club can once again be proud of its achievement, and I’m now looking forward to our autumn production – Jane Eyre.

Michael Black

Agatha Christie's 'A Murder is Announced'

When an advertisement appears in the local paper announcing a murder is to take place at Letitia Blackstock's, various friends and relatives assemble for a bit of fun. However they are shocked to discover a real murder victim who is unknown to them all. Inspector Craddock investigates but of course it is Miss Marple who cracks the case, revealing all to a drawing room full of suspects. Mistaken identities, family fortunes and a histrionic maid from the continent, and naturally the real culprit is the last person you would expect.

Poster now available, Warboys here, Medway here. Medway Flyers here
Programme available here.

Dress Rehearsal photos here.
New Rehearsal photos here.

Cast List

Click on a thumbnail for a full sized picture.

Production Notes

Named one of Agatha Christie's twelve "*essential books," A Murder is Announced was first published in 1950.

The book was adapted for the stage by Leslie Darbon and opened in London at the Vaudeville Theatre in September of 1977. Veteran actress Dulcie Gray played the Miss Marple character.

There have been two previous film versions of A Murder is Announced -- the first, the first Marple mystery to be adapted for television, was presented live on NBC's Goodyear Playhouse on December 30, 1956. Gracie Fields starred as Jane Marple and Jessica Tandy played Letitia Blacklock.

In 1986 Joan Hickson played the Marple role in a BBC version seen on MYSTERY!'s Season 7.

Agatha Christie Ltd 2004 Production

This film version was shown on ITV3 as part of the Agatha Christie Weekend on Easter Monday evening.

An unusual message appears in Chipping Cleghorn's local newspaper, revealing details of a forthcoming murder, and while at first glance it looks like a practical joke, the information proves to be deadly accurate. Miss Marple is quickly on hand to help Inspector Craddock with his investigation and the pair soon uncover several likely suspects in the village. Starring Geraldine McEwan as Agatha Christie's sleuthing spinster, with Alexander Armstrong, Zoe Wanamaker, Elaine Paige, Virginia McKenna, Cherie Lunghi and Frances Barber

Cast

Huntingdon Drama Club