Happy Exclusives: The Mirror Crack’d

It’s not often I go to a play at the theatre, it’s just not something I think of doing. With the various subscription services available and an adventurous night out consisting of a gig or comedy show, I’ve neglected the theatre over recent years.  

When the Royal & Derngate sent a press invite for the classic Miss Marple story, The Mirror Crack’d, my interest was piqued. Agatha Christie was my late mum’s favourite author and there’s something about the nostalgia of the small screen adaptations that I always enjoyed so I thought, ‘why not?’. I announced to my partner that I had a Monday night date night planned (Monday…. Who even are we?) and off we went.  

The story is set in 1960s little England so expect classism, ageism, sexism and racism. Basically all the isms. They tried to deliver the isms with humour but honestly, it felt very dated. I’ve not read the book, so I don’t know how accurately the story was told, but the inclusion of two Black characters, I’m willing to bet, wasn’t part of the original text. It was a shame to see the Black actors playing ‘the help’ (as the character referred to herself) and the co-star of a rich American film star who bought the village manor house. It would have been more impactful to see Black actors in leading roles and not portrayed as stereotypes.  

I (unfortunately) expected some problematic representation. Like all period dramas, I wanted to hate it and write it off entirely because of that issue alone but, like all period dramas, I just couldn’t hate it. There’s something fun about Agatha’s writing and plotlines that draw you in. Also, I can’t understate the efforts of the entire cast who put on a blimming good show. Susie Blake’s Miss Marple was a triumph. Confined to a chair for 90% of the show (Jane Marple had a fall), Susie still managed to command the stage; the sign of a seasoned professional. I also enjoyed the energetic performance of Veronica Roberts who portrayed Marple’s pal, nosey neighbour, Karen-type, Dolly Bantry. The story itself, a classic whodunit, kept us guessing and it was, all-in-all an enjoyable romp through the 1962 book adaptation.  

Showing in the Royal, the intimate, ‘old style’ theatre just added to the nostalgia, while the bright, open space of the modern Derngate proved a fitting backdrop to our date night (two glasses of wine were consumed – get me!) There’s something about watching live performances… professional reviewers will know the right words. I can only clumsily liken it to watching Glasto on the Beeb. Sure, it’s fun to watch at home but there’s nothing like being there, wellies on, feeling it in person.  

The Mirror Crack’d is showing from Monday 31 October to Saturday 5 November so there’s still time to check it out. There is also a full schedule of events at the Royal & Derngate over the coming months. Everything from big comedy names, burlesque, panto, and Northants youth orchestra. As a registered charity, R&D is a good one to support. And maybe, if younger, more diverse audiences started showing up, production companies would start catering to us and telling stories that represent us…. 

Also, let’s not forget the other excellent theatres we have in Northampton: The Deco, The Playhouse Theatre and Masque Theatre. Why not show them a little love next time you’re thinking of something to do? 

Tour website: www.originaltheatre.com / Twitter, Facebook, Instagram: @MissMarpleTour / @OriginalTheatre

Side note: I was trying to figure out all the way through the show, where I knew Joe McFadden (who plays Jason Rudd) from. As someone who doesn’t watch Holby City, Heartbeat or Strictly Come Dancing I was stumped. Turns out I met him at the houses of parliament when I was doing a talk about The Big Lunch. Small world.