On entering the auditorium, I was struck by the set. It was mainly set up as Jane Marple’s cottage front room, but as the action develops, it transforms to a film set, and various other locations, often marked out by the subtle change in flooring or lighting. It was very cleverly designed, and made full use of every inch of the auditorium, with characters entering not just from the wings but also the audience. It instantly had the effect of ensuring that we, the audience, felt part of the mystery and the action.  I also loved the subtle attention to period detail, even down to the lovely Ella Fitzgerald playing to the audience beforehand.

Liza Goddard plays Miss Marple, with a charm and playfulness, but also at times fragility. She starts the play, with an ankle injury, ever the doddery old lady…but then manages to solve the whodunnit, but not without making the odd error along the way. It’s a lovely performance.

She is aided by chief Inspector Craddock, played by James Mack, and friend Dolly Bantry, played by Annie Wensak. Craddock is clearly out of his depth and it’s the two octogenarians who eventually crack things. Both performances are well judged, and avoid caricature.