Ten strangers stranded on a windswept island off the coast of Devon. Their mysterious hosts are delayed and they have to make their own entertainment for the night.

We all know it can only end badly and so it does.

The title of the play and a riddle on the wall spell out the final outcome but the drama is working out how we’re going to get there.

This is Agatha Christie and so it’s no surprise there are murders afoot. There are also the classic Christie style characters – such as a doctor, a policeman and a priggish elderly lady played by Susan Penhaligon - all with secrets to reveal.

TV and West End star Paul Nicholas plays Sir Lawrence Wargrave, a former judge who commands respect from his fellow island captives while Verity Rushworth, who plays the young, flighty Vera Claythorne commands gasps from the audience with her audacious backless dress in the second act.

This play celebrates the 125th anniversary of Christie’s birth and her enduring popularity is not difficult to understand. A simple premise but with many mysteries and red herrings along the way provides a satisfying night of drama.

Three stars