The Hollow

The Hercule Poirot novel The Hollow is not one of Agatha Christie’s most well-known works – but that is definitely one reason why it’s a good choice to adapt for the stage. It was adapted by Christie herself back in 1951, but the task on this occasion fell to Tamsin Oglesby, with prolific Christie director Lucy Bailey on board once more – the tour recently opened in Canterbury, and this week has made its way to Richmond Theatre. Poirot is attempting to take a rare holiday and has decided to stay in a cottage near The Hollow, a large house which belongs to Sir Henry Angkatell; the two are old friends and, as several other members of the extended Angkatell family (and other friends) are staying for the weekend, Poirot is invited to join the family for dinner. The main thing he is apprehensive about is the requirement to play games once they’ve eaten. Although there are obvious tensions between various individuals – not least after the unexpected arrival of one of the guest’s old flames…