And Then There Were None
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And Then There Were None
byAgatha Christie
YAT at The Hampton Hill Theatre until 31st October
Review by Heather Moulson
In this classic Agatha Christie play put on by the polished YAT company, we encountered an authentic set of a thirties living room, and a generous-looking cocktail cabinet. The backdrop of French doors opening onto a balustrade and sea view were cleverly gauzed, immediately setting the scene, a small island off the Devon coast, isolated of course in true Christie style.
The vibrant and articulate secretary Vera smoothly instigated the introductions of the ten guests, each of whom has received an unexpected invitation, all ripe for the unravelling of the plot.
However, with the cast of ten onstage it made for a crowded set, albeit actors made frequent stage exits (including per the plot). One also felt there were too many people at the ‘bar’ at once.
Highly engaging portrayals included Bryn Wilson’s William Blore, adopting a bogus South African persona before being revealed as a private investigator, and Matthew Down’s Anthony Marston, an over-privileged yet enticing character (with a terrific blazer). They all harboured secrets that swiftly came to fruition.
The ten little soldiers on the mantelpiece were chillingly depleted as we lost our guests one by one. The faithful staff, the Rogers, played by Nathan Hall and Bonny Ward suffered quickly and the guests were left to turn on each other.
Authenticity was strengthened by the well-studied costumes, designed by the co-directors. Moody lighting designed by Gary Stevenson, and eerie sound by Meg Hird, supercharged the atmosphere.
The first and second acts kept us on edge, but act three excelled, it being in a low-lit now sinister room with few remaining, with tempers frayed. Not to mention the low food supplies and no boat to the mainland in sight due to bad weather. They were marooned and vulnerable. The toy soldiers grippingly and pitifully diminished.
Sir Lawrence Wargrave, was played by Alfie Kennedy, who visibly relaxed into the role; and Amin Houta’s General MacKenzie was a poignant figure. Jonathan Singer’s Philip Lombard, initially a caddish love interest, was both charming and monumental, and Hugo Allain brought a vibrant and hysterical presence to the role of Dr Armstrong. Freya Broe convincingly played the reserved and snobbish Emily Brent, an uptight figure who determinedly hid many misdemeanours.
The Witnesses were very striking, wafting in to fetch the latest deceased who joined their ghostly party. Credit must to co-directors Sarah Dowd and Lizzie Lattimore, for creating this classy touch, and also to Giothomson Nickson, Felix Patterson, Cosmo Dearle and Kit Overd for executing it so well. At certain points of dialogue, figures stood outside the French windows chillingly gesticulating, a very effective touch.
Agatha Christie can become very cliched, but the whole YAT company has made this And Then There Were None an entralling, entertaining and highly thoughtful production.
Heather Moulson, October 2025
Photography by Handwritten Photography
Mark Aspen 