Ottawa Little Theatre Offers a Twist with Two Takes

There are always rehearsals, sets to design, costumes to sew, and lines to memorize—but this time, the cast at Ottawa Little Theatre (OLT) had even more dialogue to absorb. That’s because OLT’s latest production of And Then There Were None,  by the legendary Agatha Christie, features two different endings. This mystery is on stage now at OLT and runs until May 24.

Christie originally penned the revised ending for the stage version in 1943 during the grim years of World War II, offering a more optimistic conclusion than her bleak novel. Decades later, in celebration of the 125th anniversary of her birth, Christie’s grandson commissioned a script featuring the original, darker ending—bringing the full weight of the novel’s unsettling conclusion back to life.

Audiences now have a rare chance to choose which version they want to see: the more classic, stage-friendly finale or the faithful, macabre ending from the novel. Directed by accomplished Ottawa theatre veteran Venetia Lawless, this marks the fifth time in OLT’s 112-year history that they’ve staged this Christie favourite.

From the moment the audience enters the theatre, they’re immersed in the foreboding setting—waves crash on a dark, rocky shore through moody sound design and projections. The curtain then rises to reveal a stark, yet stylish living room with an expansive balcony and sea views. Kudos to the set design team for crafting a space that exudes both opulence and isolation.

A maid and manservant bustle around, prepping for the arrival of weekend guests, all strangers to one another and, curiously, all seemingly don’t know their mysterious hosts—Mr. and Mrs. U.N. Owen. It quickly becomes apparent that the name itself is a play on words: “unknown.”

Once the first guest suddenly dies, the rest scramble for an escape, only to realize the island is completely cut off. A framed copy of the nursery rhyme Ten Little Soldiers ominously predicts how each will meet their fate. And with no Poirot or Miss Marple to crack the case, it’s up to the remaining guests to identify the killer—before they, too, are picked off.

A blend of familiar OLT talent and emerging actors brings the story to life. While some of the ten performers lack the eccentric flair typical of Christie’s caricature-like creations, the steady pace of the plot and rapid succession of deaths keep the audience engaged and guessing.

Whether you choose to see one version or both, this production offers a unique opportunity to experience a classic mystery in two dramatically different ways.

And Then There Were None runs Tuesdays through Sundays at Ottawa Little Theatre until May 24. Performances with the darker, alternate ending will be staged on May 13 and 20.

Tickets are available at www.ottawalittletheatre.com or by calling 613-233-8948.

Click here to view the complete list of cast members and the production team.