Welcome to the world of high society, dark secrets, and twisted motives with The Mirror Crack’d, a captivating tale of suspense and intrigue brought to life on stage by our talented cast. Adapted from Agatha Christie’s classic novel, this thrilling production weaves together mystery and drama, hopefully keeping audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
When a glamorous film star moves into the quaint village of St. Mary Mead, her arrival sets the stage for a series of chilling events. At a seemingly idyllic party, a shocking murder occurs, shattering the tranquillity of the English countryside. Enter Miss Marple, the ever-sharp amateur sleuth, whose keen eye and unparalleled intuition uncover a web of jealousy, betrayal, and hidden truths.
Rachel Wagstaff’s adaptation breathes fresh life into Christie’s beloved characters, combining the wit and charm of the original story with a contemporary theatrical flair. Our production dives deep into the human psyche, exploring themes of memory, regret, and revenge-all wrapped up in a gripping whodunit that will leave you guessing until the final reveal.
Featuring an expressionistic set design and atmospheric lighting that transport you toa reimagined 1960s England, The Mirror Crack’d is a feast for the senses. With stunning performances, clever twists, and a story that continues to resonate through generations, this production promises an unforgettable evening of classic mystery theatre.
So, gather your wits and join us in uncovering the truth-just don’t be too sure of who you can trust. After all, in St. Mary Mead, appearances can be deceiving, and no one is above suspicion…
Prepare for intrigue. Prepare for twists. Prepare to be cracked wide open!
Cast
Miss Jane Marple Anna Day
Marina Gregg Alexia Fletcher
Jason Rudd James Charlesworth
Heather Leigh Georgina Godfrey
Inspector Craddock Jago Ongley-Dellar
Ella Zielinsky Tamara Mansour
Lola Brewster Nadeza Manley
Dolly Bantry Charlotte Pritchard
Giuseppe Renzo Oscar Anderson
Cyril Leigh Francesca Arduino
Cherry Baker Kudiwanashe Ndlovu
Movie AD Francesca Arduino
Police Officer Cindy Nguyen
Production Team
Director Mr B Fewson
Assistant Director Chloe Balcomb
Technical Director Mr J Mitchell
Lighting Operator Erin McGregor
Sound and Lighting Technician Daisy Dallamore
Stage Manager Mrs K Buckland
Assistant Stage Manager Bethany Raines
Props Manager Amina Lindenschmidt
With Thanks
Publicity
Mrs J Stephens
Miss I Fowle
Programme Design and Print Stagg Creative Ltd
Photography
Ticketing
Mr J Lockwood
Mr W Radford
Miss Jane Marple
ANNA DAY Lower Sixth
Playing Agatha Christie’s Miss Jane Marple has been one of my most enjoyable roles. Adopting the mannerisms of an older lady from the 1960s has been a journey, especially as I’ve picked up on the nuances of her character. The more the production progresses, the more her expressions and speech patterns have naturally slipped into my own. Miss Marple is such a quick-witted character, and it has been challenging to keep up with her quiet process of deduction.
As is true for any Agatha Christie murder mystery, it has been incredibly engaging to work through such intricate details in the script. I am still continuing to find new elements in the dialogue and directions, even when I think there is nothing left to explore. There are many flashbacks in the play, which have been especially tricky to work around, but also beneficial for exploring the layers of the mystery. The depth of each character has really become apparent during rehearsals, which ties in with the play’s idea that ‘no one is ever just one thing.’ It has felt really rewarding working with the dedicated cast and watching the characters become animated. I think there is definitely originality being brought to this Agatha Christie production.
I am very excited for the audience to experience this performance, especially with the set, which brings a fresh and modern take to this iconic story. The lighting design will definitely enhance the mirrored details in the set, perfectly symbolising reflections in the plot. It’s been an exciting experience to see how all of these elements come together to build layers of significance, keeping the mystery unfolding right up until the final reveal. Seeing the audience fill in the holes in the plot and realising that every line and every gesture holds significance is what I am most excited to see.
Marina Gregg
ALEXIA FLETCHER Lower Sixth
Playing Marina Gregg in The Mirror Crack’d has been both a challenging and rewarding experience. Marina is a complex character, a former film star with a dark past, who is both fragile and powerful. Finding the balance between these traits has been one of the most exciting aspects of the role.
Working with such a dedicated cast has made the process even more enjoyable. The support and energy in the room, whether it’s through shared laughs or helping each other out with lines, has kept the atmosphere lively and collaborative.
One of the biggest challenges has been portraying Marina’s vulnerability beneath her glamorous exterior. The reward is in those moments when the audience begins to see that opposition, the persona of the film star and the fragile woman underneath that comes through.
Being part of an Agatha Christie story is an honour. Her work is iconic, and it’s exciting to bring her complex characters and suspenseful plots to life. The Mirror Crack’d is full of twists, and I’m eager to see how the audience reacts to Marina’s journey. It’s thrilling to be part of such a captivating story that promises to keep people constantly second guessing and questioning themselves, and I will definitely miss this process once it’s over.
Jason Rudd
JAMES
CHARLESWORTH
Lower Sixth
Ihave spent many years expressing myself through drama. From my role in The Wardrobe in Third Form to now being part of The Mirror Crack’d’, I believe it’s important to reflect on the journey and the hard work everyone has contributed to making this production as strong as it is. The dedication and effort from the entire cast and crew have been incredible, and I hope everyone has enjoyed the process as much as I have.
Playing Jason Rudd, a dedicated and protective film director married to the glamorous actress Marina Gregg, has been both challenging and rewarding. Jason’s unwavering concern for Marina’s fragile mental state and health drives much of his character.
When a murder disrupts their lives, he experiences a whirlwind of emotions-shock, dread, guilt, and a deepseated protectiveness. As secrets from the past come to light, Jason grapples with inner conflict but remains steadfast in his resolve to shield Marina from further distress. His journey from anxiety to acceptance and coming to terms with these revelations was complex to portray, but I believe I captured his emotional depth to the best of my ability throughout the play.
Heather Leigh
GEORGINA GODFREY Upper Sixth
Playing Heather Leigh in The Mirror Crack’d has been a really exciting experience, as she is such a complex character, developing more and more throughout the play. This role has been very interesting to explore as Heather has a very multifaceted personality. Combining her portrayal in the novel, play and screen movie, has allowed me to connect with her character on a deeper level, understanding why she does the acts she does. Being in the play has allowed m e to work alongside some very talented cast and crew members, making every rehearsal a blend of laughter and excitement. Being able to finally see the play come together at the end has been a joy as rehearsing it has been nothing short of a hard time. Overall, being able to play Heather has been both a challenge and a delight, I’m so proud to be able to be part of this play and can’t wait to perform.
Ella Zielinsky
TAMARA MANSOUR
Lower Sixth
As a new student at the School, I felt nervous about joining the production, fearing that I might not fit in. However, my worries were quickly put to rest. It has been a true pleasure to work alongside such talented and welcoming people. Agatha Christie is an iconic murder mystery writer, and it has been a captivating experience to be involved in the complex and intriguing production of her work.
Inspector Craddock
JAGO ONGLEY-DELLAR Upper Sixth
Iam very excited to be starring in Sutton Valence School’s production . Being part of a play so intricately crafted by the legendary Agatha Christie has been an incredible experience, especially as this story is truly one for the history books. Portraying the character of Inspector Craddock has given me great joy and a deeper appreciation for the brilliance of Christie’s storytelling. Taking on this role has been both a challenge and a thrill, as Craddock’s character demands a balance of professionalism, wit, and a touch of humour. Diving into his meticulous mind and unravelling the mystery alongside the audience has made me appreciate how Christie masterfully constructs her plots. The opportunity to embody his investigative instincts and navigate the twists of the narrative has been immensely rewarding. What makes this production so special is the camaraderie among the cast and crew. Everyone’s dedication to bringing this classic murder mystery to life has created a vibrant and collaborative atmosphere. From our intricate set designs to perfecting every subtle interaction, the journey has been as enriching as the performance itself.
Lola Brewster
NADEZA
MANLEY
Upper Sixth
Taking on the role of Lola in The School’s production of The Mirror Crack’d has been an incredible experience. Lola is such a layered character, and stepping into her shoes has allowed me to explore her complexity, emotions, and motivations. I particularly enjoyed her sharp wit, the intensity she brought to pivotal scenes, and the challenge of portraying her in moments of vulnerability.
What I loved most about playing Lola was the way she demanded a balance of poise and spontaneity. Her dialogue gave me opportunities to express a wide range of emotions, from fiery confrontations to quieter moments of thoughtfulness. Bringing her personality to life has enabled me to improve my acting immensely, whether it was perfecting her body language, tone, or even the subtle shifts in her expressions during tense moments.
I also found great joy in collaborating with the cast, and exploring Lola’s relationships with other characters has proven to be very fun during rehearsals. This has been an experience I’ll cherish forever. THE MIRROR
Through this experience, I have grown as a performer and gained a deeper understanding of what it takes to bring timeless stories like The Mirror to life on stage. It has been a privilege to share this journey for my final time with such a talented group of individuals and to contribute to a production that continues to captivate audiences with its suspense, drama, and intrigue. atmosphere. From our intricate set designs to perfecting every subtle interaction, the journey has been as enriching as the performance itself. Through this experience, I have grown as a performer and gained a deeper understanding of what it takes to bring timeless stories like The Mirror Crack’d to life on stage. It has been a privilege to share this journey for my final time with such a talented group of individuals and to contribute to a production that continues to captivate audiences with its suspense, drama, and intrigue.
Dolly Bantry
CHARLOTTE PRITCHARD
Upper Sixth
Playing the role of Dolly Bantry has been an incredibly fulfilling experience, and it feels bittersweet to know that this will be my last play at SVS. Dolly, with her wit, charm, and sharp observations, is a character full of life, humour, and warmth qualities that have made her a joy to portray. Throughout the rehearsals and performances, I found myself connecting deeply with her love of gossip, her subtle cleverness, and her loyalty to those around her.
It was such a pleasure to step into her shoes and bring her to life on stage. The entire cast and crew were a wonderful team, and the energy we shared made every rehearsal and performance something special. I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to have been part of such a memorable production. I have thoroughly enjoyed doing this performance and taking in every movement of rehearsals as I know this is my last. From doing my first performance in Sleepy Hollow, I feel as though I have grown and developed throughout my time in SVS and will always have fond memories of being in school plays.
Giuseppe Renzo
OSCAR ANDERSON
Lower Sixth
Ihave been luckly enough to be able to perform in three plays at the School, and each experience has been incredibly enjoyable. The process of bringing a play to life with the rest of the cast is always fun. Everyone in the cast has been working particularly hard, not just on delivering strong individual performances but as a cast on our synergy and the relationships of the characters. It has been fascinating to be unravelling the mystery of Agatha Cristie. Giuseppe, is an Italian man living in the 1960s. He’s deeply torn between his unwavering loyalty and love for his boss and a growing internal conflict about what he feels he must do. It has been a challenge to embody someone so torn, but that’s what makes this play so exciting. As the story unfolds, Giuseppe’s world begins to crumble, forcing him to confront truths he’s been avoiding. His journey is both heartbreaking and compelling, and I hope the audience will feel the weight of his struggles as they watch the story unfold.
Cyril Leigh
FRANCESCA ARDUINO
Lower Sixth
Playing Cyril is actually a fun and enjoyable job. Cyril Leigh is an awkward man who is bad at social interactions and is only truly comfortable around his wife Heather Leigh. Playing the character was challenging because, at first, I did not truly understand how awkward I needed to be to fully grasp the character Cyril. Being in this company was truly enjoyable as my fellow cast members are just as dedicated to their roles as me. It has always been a fun and enjoyable experience running rehearsals as we all crack jokes and laugh together. One of the challenges that I faced when portraying this character was fully conveying his awkward nature, such as his mannerisms and facial expressions. This was extremely difficult as I am amazing at speaking to people and I am very good at joke making. It has been truly amazing to depict a character from on of Agatha Christie’s work and I’m looking forward to seeing the audience being shocked at the twists and turns this play is filled with.
Police Officer
CINDY NGUYEN
Lower Sixth
Istarted just coming into the theatre because my friends were part of the play, i was really impressed with their acting skills and they seemed like they had a lot of fun on stage. Being in the theatre, watching at lunch time was like a break from lessons and academics. The atmosphere in the theatre was really welcoming, so that Mr Fewson invited me to play a small role in the play. Although i have no experience in acting or Drama, i feel fortunate to be included in the play. I hope you enjoy the production!
Cherry Baker
KUDIWANASHE NDLOVU
Lower Sixth
Playing the role of Cherry has been an exciting and rewarding experience. I have learned a lot being in this talented cast, which has allowed for a creative and collaborative environment during the process. Working with an iconic piece of work has been exhilarating and humbling, allowing for thoughtful consideration in how to present the character and what she stands for, although, understanding the deeper and lighter moments and connecting deeply with my character has been the most difficult part. My biggest joy for the audience is that they resonate and connect with the characters in the play just like the cast have through the entire process. Ultimately, I hope they acknowledge Cherry’s authentic journey through the play and enjoy it as much as I did.
Props Manager
AMINA LINDENSCHMIDT
Upper Sixth
As a part of the backstage team of the School’s play this year it is my responsibility to organise all of the props that are needed in the play. Due to this job, I was able to appreciate all the rehearsals and got to learn about all the characters and their individual roles. I think it was a great opportunity to have this job and I am very greatful that I took this chance to learn something in a field where I, before I helped in this play, didn’t have any experience in.
Assistant Director
CHLOE BALCOMB Lower Sixth
Being the Assistant Director of the School production of The Mirror Crack’d by Agatha Christie has been such an amazing experience. Being behind the scenes was something I had never done before so going into this I was a bit unsure. However this quickly changed as I have loved watching the play develop.
Being the Assistant Director has so many great parts to it. For example working with such talented actors that put so much effort into their characters and learning how their characters should act. The cast has been great to work along side as it is such a positive and friendly environment. Another great thing about being the assistant director of the play was working along side Mr Fewson and the people that run backstage and being able to learn things that I wouldn’t have learnt if I didn’t do the play.
Taking up this roll hasn’t been the easiest but it has definitely been the most rewarding. Even though I’m not onstage with the cast I have still been a part of this amazing production and I have learnt so many different skills along the way.
The play has so many twists and turns and it will definitely capture the attention of the audience and keep them on the edge of their seats.
Director’s Notes
MR B FEWSON
Agatha Christie remains one of the most celebrated and influential writers of the 20th century, her works transcending time to captivate audiences even today. Known as the “Queen of Crime.” Christie’s intricate plots, compelling characters, and mastery of suspense have not only shaped the genre of detective fiction but also continue to resonate with modern audiences.
Her stories, such as The Mirror Crack’d, explore timeless themes: the complexity of human relationships, the nature of justice, and the consequences of hidden truths. These universal issues ensure her work remains relevant, offering insights into human behaviour that still feel fresh and relatable. Furthermore, her portrayal of societal norms and tensions of the mid-20th century allows audiences today to reflect on historical attitudes, gaining a richer understanding of how far we’ve come and how much remains unchanged.
Christie’s iconic characters, such as Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot, remain cultural touchstones. Miss Marple’s sharp intellect and keen observation challenge stereotypes of age and gender, making her an enduring symbol of quiet yet formidable strength. In a world increasingly fascinated by psychological complexity and moral ambiguity, Christie’s ability to delve into the motives and flaws of her characters feels as relevant as ever.
Producing The Mirror Crack’d offers a unique opportunity for students and audiences to engage with the genius of Christie’s storytelling. Beyond the gripping whodunit, it invites reflection on broader themes like celebrity culture, trauma, and the ripple effects of secrets and lies-a mirror, indeed, of the cracks in our own society.
As we stage this production, we celebrate not just the legacy of Agatha Christie but the power of storytelling to unite and provoke thought, proving that her work remains as vital today as it was nearly a century ago.
‘I’ve seen so much evil. It comes from living in a village my whole life’ - Miss Marple
