The Mirror Crack'd

Co-produced with Wiltshire Creative, our production of The Mirror Crack'd was based on the classic novel by Agatha Christie.

The European premiere opened at Salisbury Playhouse on 15 February 2019 before going on tour to Dublin, Cambridge and Cardiff.

This was the first time Agatha Christie's much-loved novel had been adapted for the stage in English and Christie’s grandson, Mathew Pritchard encouraged us to be bold and brave with the adaptation of this rich, psychological drama.

The play explored how we all colour our own memories and truths, to disguise the darkness that lies within, in a changing world where everyone has a secret, even Miss Marple.

SYNOPSIS

A house-bound Miss Marple is visited by her friend and rival in crime, Chief Inspector Craddock, following a summer fete and cocktail party that ends in murder.

Set in 1962 the mystery revolved around a fading Hollywood film star making her comeback film. Why did she disappear from the picture houses; why did she move to the old manor house in a sleepy, English village and who would want to kill her?

The traditional whodunnit was re-imagined to focus on the 'why' as much as the ‘who’.

Replaying and re-examining events from a variety of perspectives, the unexpected staging explored how we try to shape our memories but end up being shaped by them.

THE CAST

The iconic character, Miss Marple was played by Susie Blake, known for her TV roles in Mrs Brown’s Boys, Coronation Street and Victoria Wood As Seen on TV as well as numerous stage credits.

"I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to play a role like this my whole career. I loved watching the great Margaret Rutherford as Miss Marple and always wanted to be her when I was growing up."
Susie Blake

Simon Shepherd took on the role of Chief Inspector, Dermot Craddock. Best known for playing the role of Dr. Will Preston in the popular ITV series Peak Practice, Simon also appeared in a Miss Marple TV adaptation.

Colin R Campbell, Joe Dixon, Suzanna Hamilton, Julia Hills, Katherine Manners, Katie Matsell, Davina Moon, Huw Parmenter and Gillian Saker also joined the cast.

THE CREATIVE TEAM

The iconic Marple mystery was adapted for the stage by writer, Rachel Wagstaff who worked with us on our very first musical production, Only the Brave.

It was directed by Melly Still; known for her work with world-renowned companies including the National Theatre, Glyndebourne Festival Opera and the Royal Shakespeare Company and with us on Tiger Bay the Musical.

The creative team also included set designer Richard Kent, who worked on our production of Man to Man, the Emmy Award-winning costume designer, Dinah Collin and the play was produced by our Executive Producer, Pádraig Cusack.