The abrupt, surprise beginning to this Agatha Christie classic is a portent of things to come - it is plainly not a tea-and-biscuits murder mystery, rather a large Dubonnetwith a twist.

Set in the home of someone recently murdered, we encounter all manner of friends, family and associates who might have carried out the dastardly deed. This formula could easily send one into a dribbling torpor.

However, in a refreshingly pacy production, Joe Harmston's crisp direction produces precise, watchable performances.

Simon MacCorkindale and Tracey Childs lead a strong cast.

Virginia Stride is charismatic as the mother of the victim; likewise Eugene Washington as the manservant, while Dean Gaffney is believable as the simpleton of the piece.

But whodunnit? I'm not telling.