Rare Agatha Christie thriller next up at Rugby Theatre

6 hours ago
2 min read

Enid played by Wendy Kay, Gerald played by Dean Mills, Doris played by Melanie Lee. Photo by Martin Pulley.

The Stranger by Agatha Christie at Rugby Theatre from 7-14 March. Directed by Debbie Hibberd.

Preview

A recently discovered Agatha Christie thriller is next up from the talented performers at Rugby Theatre.

The Stranger tells the story of a woman called Enid, who rejects her long-term fiancé for a handsome and charming stranger called Gerald. But when the pair move to a remote country cottage, Gerald’s true personality begins to emerge, leading to a dark and shocking conclusion.

“The Stranger is different to any other Agatha Christie play you might have seen, with psychological suspense rather than overt action,” says the show’s director Debbie Hibberd. “How do you know if a stranger is telling you the truth? The internet has raised the profile of romance fraud, but it's actually a very old form of deception, and The Stranger feels much more of the moment than you might expect for an Agatha Christie play.”

Dean Mills plays Gerald. Photo by Martin Pulley.

The Stranger is a stage version of Christie’s short story Philomel Cottage, but even though the playwright penned the adaption in 1932, it wasn’t performed or published in her lifetime.

“The play’s discovery is a real lost and found story,” continues Debbie, who has been an Agatha Christie fan since she was at junior school. “It was hidden in Christie’s archives until 2017, and the first professional production was in 2019 in America. The UK premier of The Stranger didn’t take place until 2021, so this is a rare opportunity for theatregoers.”

With period scenery and costumes, Enid and Gerald are played by renowned Rugby Theatre actors Wendy Kay and Dean Mills, and the central roles are supported by Enid’s best friend Doris (Melanie Lee) and her fiancé Dick (Chris Allen-Mason). Housemaids Mrs Huggins and Mrs Birch, both played by Jill Dwyer, add humour to the chilling tale.

Wendy Kay plays Enid. Photo by Martin Pulley.

“Rugby Theatre is delighted to bring you this 1932 edition of a rather modern crime story,” Debbie says. “Join us for an intimate psychological thriller, where the queen of mystery reminds us that not everyone is who they seem.”

The Stranger runs from 7-14 March, with discounted Early Bird tickets available for the Mon - Weds performances. Tickets are available from the Rugby Theatre box office on 01788 541234, or www.rugbytheatre.co.uk.