A Jesmond student is directing her first play, Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, which will be performed at Newcastle High School For Girls (NHSFG) on 30 November and 1 December. 

The director, Abigail Hymas, is a third-year Newcastle University student who has lived in Jesmond for more than a year. “I’m really grateful for the location of my play,” she told JesmondLocal. “It’s lovely knowing that it’s going to be so close to home. My friends and the local community can all come because it’s easy for them to get to.”

Hymas, who comes from York, is one of 74 members of the Newcastle University Theatre Society (NUTS). The drama-enthused student said she has wanted to produce her own play since her first year of university. “I actually had a dream in the summer holidays that I was going to put this play on,” she said. “It’s my favourite novel, and I’ve been super lucky that NUTS have given me this fantastic opportunity.”

Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None is a classic murder mystery, known for its spine-chilling atmosphere and intricate plot twists. Set in the 1940s, 10 strangers are stranded on a remote island off the coast of Devon, but who invited them? All that the guests have in common is a wicked past they are unwilling to reveal and a secret that will seal their fate. 

“This is my first time performing in Jesmond – all my friends live nearby, so hopefully it’ll be easier to convince them to come and watch the show,” said Josh Marks, who is one of the 11 cast members and plays an ex-police detective.

The NUTS committee helped Hymas to organise her play. Isaac Stamper, NUTS secretary and a former Jesmond resident, said he applied for the space as it is “massive, dynamic and spacious, making it a great venue for And Then There Were None“.

Stamper reports that it has cost the committee roughly £1,500 to hire the venue, including tech hire, and around £200 to buy the scripts and license the play for production. Another NUTS production, Albion, will be performed in the same venue on 16 and 17 November.

A spokesperson for NHSG said that the school is “delighted” that the students are “making use of the excellent performance space and audio and visual equipment we are able to provide. It’s particularly exciting to be able to provide space for the next big stars from Newcastle University to show off their talent. We’re looking forward to welcoming our neighbours to see the show.”

Ticket prices are as £8 for NUTS members, £9 for non-members who are students, and £10 for the general public. Tickets can be bought here: https://nusu.co.uk/activities/view-society/190.

To learn more, follow the production on Instagram: @andthentherewerenone_ncl