IT WOULD be hard to criticise Tudor Gates' play, Who Killed Agatha Christie?, which is showing in Malvern Theatres this week.

Not only is the dialogue pointedly geared to warn off snivelling, spineless theatre critics who might dare to cast-off a line of criticism, but it is thought provoking and menacing.

Then there is George Sewell who, alongside Lionel Blair, talks up a storm with is effortlessly booming voice and measured theatrical presence in the two-man thriller.

Under Howard Ross's direction the star of Get Carter, Z Cars and Rising Damp takes the upper hand as John Terry, a playwright who has hatched a plot both to get back at Arthur (Aggie) Christie, a vitriolic, gay theatre critic, and gather a tidy retirement fund.

As Terry's verbal twists and turns begin to hit Christie, played by the Give Us a Clue captain, the critic visibly deteriorates as his health starts to fail.

Blair's decades of theatrical experience shows through the intense physical demands of his role, his weakening heart seeming to spread visible pain throughout his body as Terry's manipulation becomes increasingly cruel.

Who Killed Agatha Christie is showing at Malvern Theatres until tomorrow (Saturday). Tickets on 01684 892277.

Ally Hardy