EntertainmentTheatre

Love from a Stranger at Milton Keynes Theatre Review

3-7 July 2018

Reviewed by Alison Erwood

Agatha Christie, the most successful female playwright of all times, adapted Love from a Stranger along with Frank Vosper, from an earlier short story, ‘Philomel Cottage’ in 1936.

The play has been updated by Lucy Bailey, a wonderful director, who has taken the play into the 1950s, whilst still retaining the dark undercurrents and intense atmosphere.

After winning a large amount of money, Cecily Harrington (Helen Bradbury), decides that she needs more excitement than the settled life planned with her fiancé, Michael Lawrence (Justin Avoth). Cecily confides to her friend Mavis Wilson (Alice Haig), that their relationship is a ‘tepid romance’ and considers postponing the wedding.

Cecily’s rental advertisement for her flat in Bayswater, London signifies the arrival of Bruce Lovell (Sam Frenchum), a well-travelled American, who offers the adventure and excitement Cecily craves. Sweeping Cecily off her feet, they quickly marry after a whirlwind romance and abandon friends to begin a blissful married life – or so she thinks.

The play continues to a remote cottage in West Sussex where Cecily learns a great deal more about Bruce’s character.

Scenery, setting, music and lighting effects add much to the play, creating a tense atmosphere and adding to the drama, leaving the audience realising that things are not as they seem.

Despite the suspense, there is also humour throughout the play in the form of Cecily’s overbearing Aunt LuLu (Nicola Sanderson) who is obsessed with Harrods and Fortnums; Hodgson the gardener (Gareth Williams) and Ethel (Molly Logan), the domestic maid. Although Bruce tries his best to ensure Cecily has no contact with her friends and family (not even the use of a telephone), luckily they do not give up on Cecily, visiting her before embarking on a trip abroad.

An excellent play which keeps the audience anxiously waiting to see what will happen next. As for the ending – well you will have to go and watch the play for yourself. The twist will keep audiences talking about ‘Love from a Stranger’ for a very long time.

Rating: 4.5/5

Tickets cost from £20.90 to £43.90 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).

Love From A Stranger is at Milton Keynes Theatre from 3-7 July 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes or call the box office on 0844 8717652.

Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK9 3NZ

Show More
Back to top button