Kidnapping at Waverly Court, The (Adapted from Agatha Christie's story)

One-Acts 20

By: Heather Lynn
Cast: 4 M, 3 F
Performance Time: Approximately 30 minutes, 27 pgs

MYSTERY. Adapted from the short story by Agatha Christie. Country Squire Marcus Waverly and his wife receive a mysterious note from a kidnapper who threatens to abduct their three-year-old son if they don’t pay a large ransom. Oddly, the note states the exact day and time the abduction will take place. At the appointed time, Mr. Waverly, his young son, and a Scotland Yard inspector are locked in a room with police posted outside. When nothing happens, they emerge from the locked room only to discover the boy has suddenly vanished. Desperate to find their missing son, the Waverlys hire famed detective Hercule Poirot to investigate. Poirot asks, why did the kidnapper warn the family beforehand? Why not simply kidnap the boy and hold him for ransom? Suspects include the child’s nanny, Mr. Waverly’s devoted butler, and Mrs. Waverly’s trusted secretary. Audiences will enjoy this ingenious locked-room mystery. Easy to stage. Adapted from Agatha Christie's story, which is in the public domain in the US and not licensed by Agatha Christie Limited.

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About the Story: To read more about the story click here.