By Agatha Christie
A Miss Marple Mystery
Adapted for the Stage by Leslie Darbon
By Arrangement with Samuel French LTD.

A Murder is Announced features Miss Marple as the amateur sleuth who untangles the web of mystery and deceit, bringing the criminal to face his just deserts. 

On a bright autumn morning, the residents of the small English village of Chipping Cleghorn wake up to a startling announcement in their local gazette inviting any and all to attend a murder at Little Paddocks at six-thirty pm that very day! 

Little Paddocks, the home of Letitia Blacklock, her friend Dora Bunner, their chief cook and "bucket" washer, Mitzi and a handful of young relatives, is thrown into total chaos. The residents claim to know nothing about the bizarre newspaper announcement. Everyone is more than a little unnerved. Eventually Letitia gathers her wits and being a practical woman, prepares for the guests that will undoubtedly arrive out of curiosity. 

As expected, shortly before the appointed time, neighbours start arriving, refreshments are served and the house is abuzz with anticipation, apprehension and excitement. At six-thirty the clock chimes, the lights go out, the door swings open, and then... 

This was one of Christie's most popular novels. Filled with secrets, suspense, beguiling characters and sardonic humour, this stage adaptation by Leslie Darbon was a pleasure to rehearse and is a very entertaining play to watch.

Performed April 15-17, 2010 by the Phoenix Players Cast:
Julia Simmons - Kimberley Bateman 
Letitia Blacklock - Ellen Clare O'Gallagher 
Dora Bunner - Susan Richards 
Patrick Simmons - Brad Fetter 
Mitzi - Lucille Lacelle 
Miss Marple - Lorraine Hopkins 
Phillipa Haymes - Ashley Robinson 
Mrs. Swettenham - Karen Germundson 
Edmund Swettenham - Alain Lachapelle 
Rudi Scherz - Andrew-John Jimmo 
Inspector Craddock - Tim Picotte 
Sergeant Mellors - Andrew-John Jimmo