Every year the inner city Genesian Theatre Company schedules at least one murder mystery in their program. Recently the Company presented Leslie Darbon’s flexible adaptation of Agathie Christie’s novel ‘Cards On The Table’.

In ‘Cards On The Table’ the wealthy and mysterious collector Shaitana gathers together a formidable group of characters for a fashionable dinner party. There’s the charming doctor, the courageous Major, the millionaires and the naïve debutant. Shaitana then invites Mrs Adriane Oliver, a famous crime writer, and her new ally, Superintendent Battle, to join the party. An innocent game of bridge soon turns to murder, and the two sleuth’s race against time to solve the whodunit before the murderer strikes again. No wonder that, at one time, Mr Shaitana says to his assorted guests, ‘this is a night none of you will ever forget’.

Debbie Smith directed an entertaining, suspenseful night of theatre. In the leading roles, Scott Fenson played Shaitana, Paul Treacy was Superintendent Battle and Shane Bates played Mrs Oliver.

Ms Smith’s creative team included set designer Grant Fraser, lighting designer Eric Bicknell, costume designer Susan Carveth, and Ms Smith herself did the lighting.