GO BACK FOR MURDER – AGATHA CHRISTIE – PLAY 5 – 2021
DATE: POSTPONED until further notice
Director: Kurt A. Lerps
Assistant to the Director: Lee Bowers
Stage Manager: Rhyll Bucknell
Set Design and Lighting: Tristan Holland
This play was adapted by Christie from her novel Five Little Pigs, which saw her not only change the title to Go Back for Murder but also remove the character of Hercule Poirot entirely. In the play, Poirot’s function is replaced by a young lawyer, Justin Fogg; son of the lawyer who led Caroline Crale’s murder case.
After receiving a letter from beyond the grave, Carla Crale believes her mother, who died in prison, was wrongly convicted of her father’s murder. In a passionate attempt to clear her name, she persuades those present on the day of her father’s death to return to the scene of the crime and “go back” 16 years to recount their version of events.
An unusual take on the traditional murder mystery, the action of the play slips seamlessly from past to present, examining the danger of relying on personal testimony warped by time, prejudice, and perception. By studying each suspect’s testimony, and the various inconsistencies between them, the drama arrives at a disturbing and terrible truth.
“Demonstrates the author’s uncanny skill. The answer to the riddle is brilliant.”
Christie has mesmerised us all again!
Act 1 takes place in London with 5 short scenes with Carla interviewing the personnel who were involved in her mother’s case 16 years ago.
Act 2 takes place in Aldurbury 16 years earlier and represents what really happened.
Now my technical guru, Tristan Holland has already been drawing plans for the challenging set.
My incredible production team assures me it will happen!
There are 10 characters of all ages – we can also double two of the male roles.
Characters:
Justin Fogg Lawyer, early 30’s, sober, staid but likeable
Turnbull Clerk, with the firm for over 40 years (60’s)
Carla/Caroline Crale pretty, determined – 20’s PLEASE NOTE that Carla/Caroline is on stage almost throughout the whole play – in other words an immense line load
Jeff Rodgers 35, slick, good looking, insensitive Canadian
Philip Blake 50’s stockbroker
Meredith Blake 50’s Philip’s elder brother
Lady Melksham (Elsa) a spoiled society lady, quite attractive
Miss Williams 60ish, the devoted governess
Angela Warren younger half-sister of Caroline, scar on left cheek
Amyas Crale Painter by profession, a man who loves his beers and his mistresses, but loved his wife most
NOTE 1: The roles of Turnbull and Jeffrey are very small parts and will probably be doubled.
NOTE 2: All cast have to age down 16 years for Act 2
This is one of the most complicated Christie’s that CTG has produced, and we aim to create a great Christie evening.
If you have any further questions, please contact
Kurt at kurtalerps@tpg.com.au or 0415558027 or
Lee at bowersfam@optusnet.com.au or 0411156512 0r
Rhyll at rhyllbuc@bigpond.com or 0414816 976