Murder at a country house estate... Newbury must decide: who dunnit?

A MURDER mystery needs to be solved in Wash Common.

A cast of colourful characters are drawn together when Lady Angkatell invites cousins and friends for an entertaining weekend at the family country estate, The Hollow.

In September, New Era Theatre will be staging a production of an intriguing Agatha Christie classic The Hollow.

First published as a novel in 1946, it remains an example of classic Christie: a gathering of guests, then a sudden, mysterious death.

The main players include a downtrodden wife, her successful husband, and the reappearance of an old flame.

With lovers past and present reunited, alongside rumblings of domestic discordance, the scene is set for a typical Christie murder mystery.

Audiences can sit back and enjoy the investigations of the two determined detectives as they endeavour to work out just 'who dunnit'.

Christie decided to adapt The Hollow for stage and it was first produced in 1951 under the same title. One reviewer described it as “ingenious entertainment”.

Vikki Goldsmith, who is directing the New Era production, is looking forward to the experience. She decided to stage this play because she felt it was time New Era put on a murder mystery, as it is over a decade since they have done so.

This one ticked all the boxes: appealing characters, good dialogue and a satisfying plot.

Agatha Christie adaptations are always successful, and this one has passion, comedy, intrigue and innuendo to keep the audience enthralled.

Vikki is enjoying making the bold directorial decisions that are needed, whilst working collaboratively with her lively cast, and her skilled and experienced backstage crew.

This will be a period piece, with authentic set, costumes and props that this theatre company are excellent at producing in their quirky home: a converted Victorian mission church.

To book, email boxofice@neweraplayers.org or call 07919 916009. Tickets cost £12. Performance dates are September 8-10 and 13-17, at New Era Theatre, Andover Road, Wash Common, RG14 6NU. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

Visit www.neweraplayers.org for more information.