Written by Agatha
Christie
Directed by Jon
Elphick
Tempo Theatre Inc
Belconnen Theatre to
June 10
Reviewed by Len Power
3 June 2017
You don’t have to try and guess who the murderer is in
Agatha Christie’s ‘Verdict’. You
actually witness the killing onstage but the twists and turns of the plot will
leave you gasping with surprise anyway.
First performed in England in 1958, the play is more of a melodrama than
a murder mystery. It wasn’t a success in
London’s West End at the time but the play continues to be performed around the
world.
Refugees, Professor Karl Hendryk and his invalid wife, Anya,
are living at a university in England. Her
cousin and close friend, Lisa Koletzky, has moved in with them to care for Anya
and to manage the professor's home. Lisa
has suppressed feelings for the professor and the situation is aggravated by a
rich and spoiled young student determined to win the affections of the professor.
Director, Jon Elphick, has produced a fine production of
this unusual play of Christie’s. His
strong cast of ten presents well-developed characterizations in a play where
the psychology of the individuals is important.
Paul Jackson is especially effective as the Professor,
maintaining a credible accent throughout the show as well. Nikki-Lynne Hunter shines as his invalid wife
and Monique Dyson as Lisa gives a moving performance of a woman in love but
doing ‘the right thing’.
Kirsten Doyle plays a very believable spoiled young student,
Helen, and there is nice support in the smaller roles from David Henderson,
Garry Robinson, Jason Morton, Kim Wilson and David Evans. Cheryl Browne as the thieving housekeeper,
Mrs Roper, is a delight.
Set design by the director and costumes by Marian
Fitzgerald, the director and cast are nicely done.
At the matinee I attended, it was pleasing to see the house
was almost full and the audience was obviously having a good time. This is one of Tempo’s strongest productions
and a good opportunity to see one of Agatha Christie’s more unusual plays.
This review was first
published in the Canberra City News digital edition on Sunday 4 June. Len Power’s reviews are also broadcast on
Artsound FM 92.7 ‘Artcetera’ program (9am Saturdays) and ‘Dress Circle’ (3.30pm
Mondays).