Love From A Stranger – REVIEW
Image: Sam Walter and Emilia Kriketos in Love From A Stranger, Genesian Theatre. Photo by Craig O'Regan
As Genesian Theatre’s residence in the quaint little converted church on Kent St comes close to an end, it’s fitting that one of its final plays is an Agatha Christie thriller. Old school period drama is right in the wheelhouse of this independent company – and they do it so well.
Love From A Stranger was derived from a short story named Philomel Cottage, written by Christie in 1924. Christie then re-wrote the story as a play which she called The Stranger. It was adapted again for the stage by actor Frank Vosper who also starred in the main role on its debut in 1936. Enthusiastically received, the play was turned into a film the following year, then remade in 1947 and released as A Stranger Walked In.
The story deviates from stock Christie in that it doesn’t include a sleuth or the systematic deconstruction of a crime. However, it does have Christie’s signature wit, wonderful characterisations and, most significantly, breath-stopping suspense.
Cecily (Emilia Kriketos) and Mavis (Kimberlea Smith) are two close friends who have just won a large amount of money in a sweepstakes. Cecily is engaged to Nigel (Matt Doherty) who has been away for three years and is about to return for their impending nuptials. Cecily is having misgivings about the wedding, yearning instead for a life of freedom and adventure, especially now that her sudden windfall makes that possible.
When the strange yet intriguing Bruce Covell (Sam Walter) walks in to look at a furnished flat Cecily is letting, there is instant chemistry. A romance develops very quickly and Cecily’s impetuosity soon leads to her being in a situation she not only had wanted to avoid but that becomes increasingly ominous.
The play begins with lightness and humour, especially provided by Cecily’s quirky Aunty Lou-Lou (Emilia Kriketos) and later, the kooky but endearing gardener, Hodgson (Rod Stewart). However, as the plot develops and we get insights into Bruce’s true personality – which hints at very dark secrets – the tension is increased.
The last scene in particular is gripping. A surreal dance sequence performed by Bruce and Cecily actually chills the blood with its implications.
Love From A Stranger is Genesian Theatre Company at its finest.
