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Cards on the Table

Review

A good actor can make an impact even in tiny parts - so well done Helen Stoddart, Claire Stevens and Fiona White for their work in HumDrum's latest show.

The latter two have barely a dozen lines each, but Claire adds real humour and Fiona real pathos for the few moments they are on stage in this Agatha Christie whodunnit.

Helen has slightly more to do as jolly spinster Rhoda Dawes, and does it superbly. With a tilt of her head, she suggests hero worship of an elderly crime writer, and with an infectious giggle, she is flirting convincingly with an army major.

She's the best thing in this murder mystery, in which someone dies while a bridge game is in progress. Inevitably, the finger of suspicion points at almost everyone in turn, with plenty of twists before the murderer is revealed.

Of the rest, Gemma Valler is convincingly nervous as murder suspect Anne Meredith, and Jonathan Fost suitably weird as party host Shaitana.

First-time director Emma Cooper must have had sleepless nights about the multiple scene changes. She rightly opts for a split-stage in the second half, but other scene changes slow down the action too much. Some awkward silences added to the slow pace on the first night.

Neil Pugmire - The News