REVIEW: THE MIRROR CRACK'D @ THE MILL AT SONNING

🎭 The Mirror Crack'd

📍 The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 6TY

🗓 Friday 11th September 2026

⭐️ 4 Stars

AN ABSOLUTE CRACKER OF A NIGHT

Agatha Christie fans are in for an absolute treat with THE MIRROR CRACK'D at The Mill at Sonning. There's no denying that this production offers a gripping, gorgeous, and delightfully tense night out that is not to be missed.

The adventure started before I even reached the theatre. I hopped on the train from Paddington to Reading alongside a few of my fellow reviewers. Of course, in true British fashion, a wave of train cancellations meant the carriage was absolutely packed to the gills! Did it spoil the mood? Not a chance. As a massive fan of murder mysteries - and a total devotee of the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie - I was buzzing with eager anticipation.

Arriving at The Mill at Sonning always feels like a warm hug. It is a stunning, historic venue where the staff greet you like old friends. For those who don't know, this magical place is an 18th-century flour mill that was beautifully converted into a theatre in the late 1970s. It proudly stands as the only dinner-theatre in the United Kingdom, perfectly blending old-world charm with top-tier entertainment.

Before the curtains even go up, you get to experience their unique pre-theatre dining. Now, the food here has always been of a very high standard, but their new menu is just stunning. It is luxury food at its finest, and honestly, it offers exemplary value for money because the meal is included right in your ticket price! Personally, I plumped for the Beef Featherblade, which was so tender it practically melted, and followed that up with a Sticky Toffee and Espresso Pudding that was absolutely delicious. This whole dining experience elevates the evening so high above your average theatre trip and comes highly recommended.

Upon entering the auditorium, Michael Holt’s set design seamlessly transports you back in time to the mid-century English countryside, landing you squarely in the world of Agatha Christie. The story follows the famous, sharp-witted Miss Marple in her sleepy village of St. Mary Mead. Everything is turned upside down when a glamorous Hollywood movie star, Marina Gregg, moves into the grand local mansion, Gossington Hall. During a glittering party thrown for the locals, a guest drinks a poisoned cocktail and drops dead. It quickly becomes clear that the lethal drink was actually meant for the movie star herself, and Miss Marple must unravel a web of old secrets, jealousy, and lies to catch the killer before they strike again.

Rachel Wagstaff’s stage adaptation of this story is enjoyable and exciting. It really does keep you on the edge of your seat in suspense, and by the time the house lights came up, the interval was full of hushed, excited discussions as audience members traded theories about the plot and what the eventual outcome would be. If I have one critique of the script, it is that the character of Miss Marple was perhaps not quite as much in the forefront as she should have been. It felt a bit like the people around her had no idea of her incredible sleuthing capabilities. That is fine for some characters, but those closest to her really should know how clever she is! I also felt that her nephew, Chief Inspector Craddock, could have been a little kinder to her. However, this was perhaps intentional, as it certainly ups the ante a bit at the end when she solves the crime and he is somewhat forced to eat a bit of humble pie.

I deeply enjoyed the way the production shifted the action from in-the-moment scenes to dramatic flashbacks. Each time we watched a flashback of the exact same event, a brand-new detail was revealed. This is a brilliant storytelling device because it shows the audience how unreliable human memory can be, and it lets us play detective by piecing the clues together bit by bit.

Going back to Michael Holt’s set design, I thought it was actually very good. The distinction between Miss Marple’s cosy sitting room and the elegant Gossington Hall was clearly defined and done well. Perhaps I would have liked the grand mansion to have been a bit less gloomy to really show the contrast between the two worlds, but that was by no means a deal-breaker. The change into the movie star’s dressing room was undeniably clever, and the scene transitions were executed with slick precision.

Another minor gripe - and perhaps I’m being picky here, but the standards are just so high in this production - was with the costume for Marina Gregg. For the most part, Natalie Titchener’s costume designs are brilliant, but I felt that a massive Hollywood star like Marina would have worn something far more glamorous and show-stopping than the outfit she was given. On the technical side, Jamie Platt’s lighting and Nick Lodge’s sound designs work together perfectly to build a wonderfully tense atmosphere and crank up the suspense at just the right moments.

The cast here are absolutely fantastic, and crucially, there is no weak link within this company. Liza Goddard is wonderful as Miss Marple, bringing a lovely, gentle warmth to the stage while keeping a sharp twinkle in her eye. You recognise that she knows more than she's letting on at any given time. Sara Crowe captures the brittle, anxious nature of the aging movie star Marina Gregg beautifully, making the audience really care for her throughout. James Mack plays Chief Inspector Dermot Craddock with a great, firm authority, while Jordan Taffe-Watson gives a strong performance as Marina's fiercely protective husband, Jason Rudd. You really see that he would sacrifice anything for his wife.

But for me, the absolute standouts of the evening were Elysia Showan as Cherry Baker and Annie Wensak as Dolly Bantry. Elysia Showan is a total joy as Miss Marple's bubbly companion, Cherry, bringing a burst of bright, natural energy and fantastic comic relief every single time she steps on stage. Annie Wensak is equally magnificent as Dolly Bantry. Her onstage chemistry with Goddard is delightful, portraying the kind of deep, lifelong friendship where two people can finish each other's sentences, bringing a wonderful heart to the production.

Despite a few tiny bumps which stop me from awarding the full 5 stars, this production is an absolute triumph. With a top-tier cast, a gripping story, and a mouth-watering dinner included, it is the perfect autumn treat.

THE MIRROR CRACK'D continues performances at The Mill at Sonning until Saturday 31st October. CLICK HERE to learn more about the production, find out about the pre-show dining options, and book tickets.

Neill Kovacic-Clarke

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one reviewer.  

My ticket for this performance of The Mirror Crack'd was gifted by KWPR, who invited me to watch the show in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given. 

CAST:

Sara Crowe as Marina Gregg; Liza Goddard as Miss Jane Marple; Lydia Kirton as Ella Zielinsky; Paul Kemble as Cyril Leigh / Assistant Director; James Mack as Chief Inspector Dermot Craddock; Jane Quinn as Heather Leigh; Martin Razpopov as Giuseppe Renzo; Elysia Showan as Cherry Baker; Saskia Strallen as Lola Brewster; Jordan Taffe-Watson; Annie Wensak as Dolly Bantry

RUNNING TIME (approx):

2 hours 20 minutes, including interval

CONTENT WARNINGS:

Murder plot; Adult themes

AGE RECOMMENDATION:

16+

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