The Hollow

by Agatha Christie

November 6, 7, 8 1958

Directed by 

George Baker

One review of the time

Thalia

"A Thriller Starts the Winter"

The Young Wick began their Winter season well with a production of The Hollow by Agatha Christie  at the Barn Theatre, Southwick.  The Hollow is the residence of Sir Henry and Lady Angkatell.  Gathered there is a house party which includes John Cristow MD and his wife Gerda.  Bored by his too devoted and none too intelligent spouse, the doctor has sought consolation elsewhere - more than once - and his present mistress is also one of the party.  Things begin to happen when one of his old loves, a glamorous film star, arrives on the scene determined to begin again where she left off.  the doctor is shot dead by 'persons unknown':  there are the usual crop of suspects and confession and just retribution follow in due course.

The acting in general was good   Phyll Beard's delightful Lady Angkatell almost stole the show; Patrick Johnson gave a very nice authentic performance in the unspectacular part of Sir Henry, and Patricia Menheneott in her first big part [Midge Harvey] certainly justified the casting committee's choice.  Frances Moulton, almost too strong for the ineffectual Gerda was at her bets in the final scene.  There were also good performances from Adrian Hedges, Betty Carpenter and Jean Porter.  Barrie Bowen proved a promising newcomer.    

The company had the benefit of George Baker's valuable experience as producer.  he and Phyll Beard were kindly 'lent' by the Southwick Players for the production, a piece of practical encouragement from an older and more experienced company greatly to be commended.

And another review of the time

"The Young Wick Players enhance Reputation"

Some share in the success goes to the Southwick Players, for it is produced by George Baker, and includes in the cast Phyll Beard, one of their shining lights.  Both are 'on loan' for the occasion.  Phyll Beard, as Lady Angkatell, fuddle-brained wife of Sir Henry Angkatell [ably played by Patrick Johnson] is responsible for most of the light relief and revels in a rôle which gives full scope for her talents.  There is a strongly dramatic contribution from Betty carpenter as Henrietta, and Patricia Menheneott, in her first big part, more than justifies her selection.

Adrian hedges and Frances Moulton, cast a domineering Dr. Cristow and his fearful, down trodden wife, add appreciably to the mounting tension, and there is an admirable study by Jean Porter as exhibitionist film star Veronica Craye wishing to resume her alliance with the doctor.  Newcomer Barrie Bowen creates a most favourable impression as young Edward Angkatell, and there is a brief gem of comedy from Mary Gedge as Doris, the maid.  Peter O'Connor impresses as the ideal manservant, Gudgeon, and the long arm of the law is affectively played by Ralph Dawes as inspector Colquhoun, and Ross Workman as Detective Sergeant Penny.