And Then There Were None, an Interview with the Director
By Georgina Johnson
I sat down with Charles Vivian, director of a Mermaids’ production of And Then There Were None, to talk about the upcoming play and post-pandemic theatre production.
The play is one of, renowned mystery writer, Agatha Christie’s most popular works, adapted from one of the best-selling books of all time.
What drew you to this play in particular?
Agatha Christie is a classic, she has a special place in my heart. She’s very famous for a very good reason. With the Pandemic, everything was put on hold, the whole theatre community was completely disbanded. After not having theatre for a year, we just wanted to do something fun! This play is also one that people really want to get involved with, I had the most auditions ever for this play. The popularity of the play drew us to it as well, people will want to come watch it. There’s something about crime literature that’s so engrossing, at the end of the day, everyone loves a murder mystery. We thought after a year of doom and gloom it was the perfect choice.
What are you most proud of when it comes to this production?
We were very focused on making the whole experience of the production inclusive and diverse. There are eleven characters, eight male and three female, in the original play. We gender bent some of the roles to be more representative of the St Andrews student population and update the play for modern times. We also wanted to help revitalise the Mermaids’ community after so long, and I think we’ve done that. There is a really even spread of years in the production, with the actors spanning first to fifth-year. Also, when we get there I’ll be very proud of how the production turns out.
What is it that you are most excited about when it comes to the audience seeing the production?
There’s a real shift of tone in the script, where there’s the realisation that things are not what they seem. I’m excited for that shift, when things start to go awry. I’m also excited for the re-evaluation of the characters, the unveiling, to the audience, that these people not as innocent as they appear.
What would you say are the main themes of the play?
Justice is a big theme, and secrecy, as well as the nuance of human nature. As I was saying before, some of the characters have secrets, a lot of them only seem like good people. The play draws upon this idea of the underbelly of human nature.
Can you sum up the play in three words?
Thrilling. Murderous. Eccentric.
Why should people come and see the play?
Who doesn’t love a good old murder mystery? It’s very fast paced, I think the audience will fall in love with the characters and the actors we’ve cast. I think people will get swept away by the experience of a night in this world of murder and secrecy. It’s a really exciting production.
Would you say that Covid has affected the production at all?
Initially we were worried about restrictions. At the moment we feel pretty confident, we’ve been able to book rehearsal spaces, and we’re allowed to have all the cast together for rehearsals. However, we are taking into account that there might come a point when the characters might have to socially distance from each other. We are being conscious of a potential for restrictions in rehearsal. There is a possibility that we might have to keep the cast six feet apart. But, hopefully, by the time of the production it should not be an issue.
How does it feel to finally have the St Andrews theatre scene back in person?
So good! Mermaids was such a huge part of my St Andrews experience, and theatre in general. There was just such a great theatre community. This year, having a big cast, having us all together, it feels great. I remember, after the very first audition for the play, turning to a member of the team and saying, I’ve missed this.
This Mermaids production will be performed on 8th and 9th of November at the St.Age. Email barronboxoffice@st-andrew.ac.uk to reserve your tickets.
ST.ART does not own the rights to any images used in this article.