Agatha Christie’s timeless murder mystery which will have the audience at the edge of their seats ‘And Then There Were None’ hits the Wendt this 10,11,12 May directed by Kevin Cruze of Cold Theatre 7 with an original music score composed by Hirushan Maddumaarachchi. We catch up with the cast of And Then There Were None to see what’s in store at a theatre production that’s not to be missed!

Questions

1. Describe your character.
2. What’s been challenging about playing them?
3. What’s your favourite Agatha Christie mystery of all time?
4. Your favourite line by your character?

M​elanie Bibile as Emily Brent

Melanie’s singing journey began at age 5 in church and she was mentored by the likes of Christine Perera and Mary Anne David. She performed in productions directed by Jerome L De Silva, Anushka Senanayake, and others, including ‘The Witness for the Prosecution’ directed by Kevin Cruze. She curated her own recital ‘My Tribute’ and is a member of ‘Camerati Singers,’ a girls’ ensemble founded on friendship and musical passion.

Q1:  I play the role of Emily Brent - a middle-aged spinster who is a pious religious fanatic who thinks she is blameless and believes that every sinner should and will be struck down by the wrath of God. She has lost her ability to have compassion for others. She is a stiff woman who believes that sin should be punished, and sinners should not be given a second chance. She continues to judge everyone.

Q2: I haven’t played a role of this nature before. I have however previously played the role of an older woman with a humorous attitude but this was older, fanatical and rigid.  Initially, I felt that was not a role I could work with. However, it did look interesting and I thought I would stretch myself and my boundaries. It has been challenging to bring out her strong characteristics. I’m still a work in progress and I do hope I do justice to this strong and interesting character. instils a sense of assurance in those around him. However, beneath his composed exterior lies a troubled past, haunted by guilt and remorse, which adds depth to his character and creates an intriguing layer of complexity. development. Secondly, it entails establishing authentic chemistry among the rest of the ensemble, each character possessing their own depth and complexity. Q3: And Then There Were None!!!

Q3: I’ve loved Mouse Trap and I loved Witness for the Prosecution

Q4: “I never touch alcohol”

Michelle Herft as Vera Claythrone

Michelle has been acting since she was four and has been on stage in productions throughout her schooling career.  She has performed in countless plays, both tragedies and comedies, though she admits that she has a penchant for comedies.

Q1: Vera is inscrutable. She is openly lovely, but she has lots of demons to battle. She is quite strong and I enjoy playing her.

Q2: I have to play a very young woman - and her age and my age don’t tally! Thankfully I am young at heart so I should be able to pull this off!

Q3: Oh, definitely And Then There Were None!

Q4: “Do you always flirt so outrageously?”

Niren Ranasinghe as Dr Edward Armstrong

With over a decade of experience in theatre and the performing arts, Niren Ranasinghe boasts a multifaceted career, excelling in film, television, and stage productions. With notable roles in feature films, short films, TV series, and over 20 public productions, his versatility shines through captivating performances in musicals, contemporary dance, and acting, consistently leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

Q1: Dr. Edward Armstrong is a skilled and esteemed physician, with a demeanor that exudes confidence and professionalism. His commanding presence instils a sense of assurance in those around him. However, beneath his composed exterior lies a troubled past, haunted by guilt and remorse, which adds depth to his character and creates an intriguing layer of complexity.

 Q2: This involves two aspects. Firstly, it encompasses the portrayal of intricate character dynamics, revealing layers that are initially concealed and gradually unveiled throughout the plot’s development. Secondly, it entails establishing authentic chemistry among the rest of the ensemble, each character possessing their own depth and complexity.

Q3: And Then There Were None!!!

Q4: “Most homicidal maniacs are quiet, unassuming people...you would never guess there was anything wrong with them”

 Tahsha de Silva  as Ethal Rodgers

Tahsha’s acting journey began at school with competitions such as the Royal Drama Competition and the AllIsland Inter-School Shakespeare Drama Competition which eventually led her to the public stage with roles such as Sasha in 'Ovaryacting' directed by Piumi Wijesudara, Eva and Laura in 'Chatroom' directed by Tasmin Anthonisz, Juror 2 in ‘12 incompetent Jurors’ directed by Mayaan Haputantri and Anjuli Mahinkanda and most recently Johnna in 'August Osage County' directed by Bimsara Premaratne.  

Q1: Dethel Rogers, wife to Thomas Rogers, takes on the roles of both cook and housekeeper. Throughout the story, she's depicted as an anxious woman who's always on edge and the weight of her responsibilities as both cook and housekeeper only adds to this anxiety. In addition to this, it doesn't help that she often feels like her hard work goes unnoticed and underappreciated by the other guests and her husband himself. While she is able to be comfortable and share her worries with her husband she still always seems to be misunderstood, and I strongly feel that is due to the ridiculously high standards she sets for herself.

Q2: Ethel Rogers is a lot older than me and therefore in order to portray that accurately it takes a lot of effort. From the way she moves to the intensity of how she delivers her lines all vary with the different experiences she's had in her life. It takes quite a bit of concentration to get there and hopefully, I do justice to her role!

Q3: It would have to be Murder on the Orient Express. Popular book made into a popular film. Seems like a very generic answer but out of all I've read that would have to be on the top of my list.

Q4: "You're always leaving the dirty work to me."