Agatha Christie’s “Murder After Hours” Review – The Author’s Favorite Play

Initially a mystery novel titled The Hollow which introduced Hercule Poirot and was published in 1946, MURDER AFTER HOURS, based on the book, soon followed – with one very notable change. Hercule Poirot disappeared from the play and was replaced by two Scotland Yard investigators. Author Agatha Christie reportedly said that Poirot had “ruined” the novel and simply wrote him out of the play. Initially, she had some difficulty getting backing for the play, but the problem was solved when she met the young and new theatrical producer Peter Saunders. 

Meghan Lewis and Jason Culp – Photo by Doug Engalla

MURDER AFTER HOURS opened in Cambridge in 1951, followed by its London premiere four months later. The Times reviewer opined that the play was “an ingenious entertainment” but “no very high polish on the performances of the actors.” Even before the play’s production, Agatha Christie’s fame had already been established.  MURDER AFTER HOURS was written between “Murder on the Nile” and “The Mousetrap.” Subsequent critical acclaim followed future productions of MURDER AFTER HOURS: “As good as a stage whodunit as we have had for some time (London Observer),” and “A grade A plot – the best Christie in years (San Francisco Chronicle).” The Group Rep proudly presents MURDER AFTER HOURS in 2024.

Cast of MURDER AFTER HOURS – Photo by Doug Engalla

The time is 1951, and the place is The Hollows, Sir Henry Angkatell’s manor house. Sir Henry (John Combs) and his wife Lady Lucy (Dani Thompson) are having a few relatives over for dinner and drinks – wealthy cousin Edward (Joe Clabby), sexy and artsy cousin Henrietta (Meghan Lewis), and poor-as-a-church mouse cousin Midge Harvey (Rebecca Del Sesto). Included on the guest list are also well-known and sort of insufferable physician John Cristow (Jason Culp) and his slow and somewhat simple but very devoted wife Gerda (Roslyn Cohn). Poor Gerda doesn’t have a clue that John is having an affair with Henrietta. When a famous actor and former lover Veronica Craye (Gina Yates), shows up seeking a box of matches, things begin to warm up considerably in the drafty mansion. The fiery explosion finds Dr. John murdered and Scotland Yard investigating. In true whodunit fashion, there are quite a few candidates for the deed.

Chris Winfield, Megan Deford, and Patrick Anthony – Photo by Doug Engalla

Director Jules Aaron does a skillful job of introducing each of the family, friends, and onlookers to the audience, each with his own secrets. Tension builds up as audience members get to know these folks, warts and all. The cast did a good job of delineating each of their unique personalities, with special kudos for Dani Thompson, who shone as an eccentric, peculiar, and very funny Lady of the Manor. During the talk-back after the show, Aaron indicated that he did some editing of the original play, which was rather long and thus challenging for today’s audiences, accustomed as they are to shorter and tighter productions. Even so, MURDER AFTER HOURS seemed lengthy, occasionally slow, and overly detailed.

Rebecca Del Sesto and Joe Clabby – Photo by Doug Engalla

The creative team excelled in this production. Chris Winfield’s set design was perfect – intimate yet elegant – with Shon Le Blanc’s fabulous costumes and Judi Lewin’s makeup, hair, and wigs adding to the overall ambience. Frank McKown’s lighting and Nick Foran’s sound helped establish new scenes with subtlety. MURDER AFTER HOURS should appeal to aficionados of theatrical history, as well as Agatha Christie fans (and aren’t we all?) Given that MURDER AFTER HOURS is infrequently produced, this is the rare opportunity to appreciate the theater of the 1950s and not to be missed. And let’s not forget that Agatha herself rated this her favorite play.

Doug Haverty, Rebecca Del Sesto, Roslyn Cohn, Megan Deford, and Director Jules Aaron at Talk-Back after show – Photo by Elaine L. Mura

MURDER AFTER HOURS runs through September 8, 2024, with performances at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. The Lonny Chapman Theatre is located at 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601. Tickets are $35 (seniors and students $30; groups of 10+ $25). For information and reservations, call 818-763-5990 or go online.