ARE ideas more important than people? That was a pertinent question in the Western Players’ autumn production, Verdict, at the Arts Centre in Old Town, Swindon.

Julia Edwards directs an able cast of ten in the only Agatha Christie play that was written for the stage, and was not adapted from a novel.

Tony Manders gives a strong performance as Professor Karl Hendryk, a classical scholar who has found refuge in the UK in the 1950s and has settled in London with his ailing wife Anya (Annie Harvey) and her cousin Lisa (Zoe Roberts).

Robert Elrick plays the attentive Dr Stoner, and Zena Howarth is Mrs Roper, the daily help, who is always popping out to shop but is nevertheless a keen observer of household events.

Clive Baker is excellent as the wealthy, self-assured Sir William Rollander, and Laura Curtis is his demanding daughter. John Fisher plays Lester Cole, one of Professor Hendryk’s students, who is drawn into the family circle.

As one would expect, there is a murder, but as it is witnessed by the audience, the plot pivots on the fate of the perpetrator.

David Thompson and Tom Freeguard complete an able cast.

The superb set is designed by Tina Ryan, with effective lighting by Will Thomas.

Stella Taylor