The Maddermarket has been in the news amidst fears that the resident amateur theatre company The Norwich Players were being sidelined by the venue’s busy programme of touring acts.

Agatha Christie’s fantastic murder mystery The Hollow grabs the Players back the limelight, reminding its audience that the true raison d’être of the theatre is to train actors.

Maddermarket founder Nugent Monck claimed that working in his company a fledgling actor would learn the ropes in just a few years. Many of the performers in this show have been with the theatre for decades.

Even so, Christie’s nuanced play is a test of their mettle. Her characters, taken straight from the pages of the book, have psychological depth and subtlety.

The action must be carefully and authentically played, moment by moment. Otherwise, the beans will be spilled all too soon, and everyone will go home at the interval.

But a packed house last night did not thin. The Hollow is a satisfying night of whodunnit puzzling in the hands of an accomplished cast.

Sabrina Poole as Gerda shines as the wife of the murdered man. Her modest demeanour is delicately played and it’s the perfect foil for Dr John Cristow (John Davis) who does justice to the full dynamic egotism of his character. It’s easy to imagine this man sparking strong passions.

Chloe Stimpson as Cristow’s lover, Henrietta, comes across with great assurance and Hollie Harrington in the ingénue role as Midge Harvy is stylish and precise. Her touching scene with Edward (Chris Neal) gathers applause.

But Alison Utting as Lady Angkatell is the quiet lead of the piece. Her humour is the touchpaper that lights the play from act to act.