"The Stranger" is a small cast, short version of an intricate psychological thriller taken from Agatha Christie's "Philomel Cottage." Christie wrote this play some years before going to work with Frank Vosper on "Love From a Stranger," a stage adaptation of the same story.
The Story
In the mid-1930s in Kensington, Doris West prepares to move out of the modest flat she has shared with roommate Enid Bradshaw. As the maid, Mrs. Huggins, prepares the flat for renters, Enid expresses her longing for a life of excitement. While awaiting the return of her fiance, Dick Lane, from many years in Malay, Gerald Strange comes to look over the flat and surprises Enid with his endearing manner and outbursts. In search for a life of excitement, Enid rejects her fiancé and begins a relationship with Gerald.
After several months, Enid marries Gerald and moves with him to a remote cottage in the woods. However, after some time with Gerald, Enid begins to have an eery feeling her husband is hiding secrets, and begins to investigate and learns a dark and terrible secret that will soon change her fate.
The Characters (in order of appearance)
Doris West played by Kaylee Martinez '21:
A nondescript girl of twenty-eight and Enid's roommate in Kensington.
Mrs. Huggins played by Alvin Hermans '18:
A flamboyant, middle-aged woman who serves as a maid at the Kensington flat.
Enid Bradshaw played by Tegan Anderson '19:
A quiet, secretive girl who longs for a life of excitement and to fall in love with a stranger.
Gerald Strange played by Wilson King '19:
A charming, subtle man of thirty-eight who comes to look over the flat.
Dick Lane played by Jack Roush '18:
An awkward, shy man of thirty-five and Enid's fiancé.
Mrs. Birch played by Thomas Bachelier '19:
A pessimistic, anaemic looking woman who serves as the maid at the country cottage.
