The Hollow (2017)
By Agatha Christie
Directed by Carole Lauren
The Hollow was performed in February 2017 at Theatr Colwyn with the following cast:
Sir Henry Angkatell, KCB.......................Andrew Poynton
Lady Angkatell..........................................Judith Williams
Henrietta Angkatell...................................Lorna Hughes
Midge Harvey..........................................Simone Baldwin
Gudgeon...................................................David Crawford
Edward Angkatell.........................................Andy Leavers
Doris.........................................................Donna Poynton
Gerda Christow..........................................Helen Thomas
Dr John Christow MD, FRCP......................Gavin Baldwin
Veronica Craye...........................................Lara Crawford
Inspector Colquhoun............................Richard Williams
Sergeant Penny..............................................Ray Hughes
Stage Manager: Andrew Thomas
Technical Manager & Sound: Chris Bainbridge
Set design and construction: Andrew Thomas and David Crawford
Front of House: Karen Shepherd and Andrew Thomas
NODA Review by Lyn Emmerson
Everyone loves an Agatha Christie ‘who done it’ and this piece was no exception. The cast was steeped in theatrical experience, and this showed as the play flowed from start to finish. Timing was essential and every member justified their selection in this well-known thriller. Full marks for set design which together with appropriate music of the period as we entered the auditorium, put us in the correct mood for this play. Nothing was left to the imagination as props were crammed into every nook and cranny but I did think there was a slight problem with one of the exit doors. Nevertheless, this Company dealt with any problems with professionalism.
Expecting friends and family for the weekend, the play opens at the home Sir Henry & Lady Angkatell. Faultless characterization from Andrew Poynton as Sir Henry Angkatell, and an excellent portrayal from Judith Williams, of the sometimes absent minded befuddled Lady Ankgatell, who received many laughs from the audience with her strange antics. The role of Dr John Cristow M.D.,F.R.C.P, was in the capable hands of Gavin Baldwin, whose brusque manner made one take immediate offence, particularly with the way he treated his down trodden wife, Gerda Cristow, sympathetically delivered by Helen Thomas. Dr John Cristow finds himself in a difficult situation when, as well as his wife, his ex Mistress, Veronica Craye, flamboyantly played with glitz and glamour by Lara Crawford, and his present Mistress and cousin of the Angkatell’s, Henrietta Angkatell , admirably played by Lorna Hughes is also present. Andy Leavers, fills the role of the love sick Edward Angkatell, who has Henrietta constantly on his mind, whilst Simone Baldwin gave a lovely interpretation of Midge Harvey, another cousin of the Angkatell’s. Richard Williams was more than comfortable in the role of Inspector Colquhoun, pensive and contemplative in every task, with good support from Ray Hughes as Detective Penny.
Brilliant cameos from David Crawford as Gudgeon, the Butler, who didn’t miss a trick, and Donna Poynton as Doris, the Maid. I liked their ‘pottering’ in the dimly lit stage to denote time change. Another feather in the cap of this talented group whose standard of performance rises with each production. –Well Done and thanks once again!
