(starring Dawn Steele, Robert Duncan, Mark Wynter and Ali Bastian) New Theatre, Cardiff until February 19

THE Agatha Christie Theatre Company go from strength to strength in this, their eighth interpretation of Christie's fiction.

Professor Karl Hendryk, his invalid wife, Anna and her cousin, Lisa, have taken refuge in London after fleeing their own country. Here the idealistic professor continues to offer tutelage to poor students.

When a wealthy young woman appeals to the generous nature of the professor, he finds himself in a dilemma.

The beautiful, but spoiled Helen Rollander is used to having her own way.

She sets her cap at the professor and will stop at nothing to be near him.

When Helen's father, Sir William Rollander offers the professor the opportunity for Anna to receive life-saving treatment in America, the professor cannot refuse.

But with Helen misunderstanding the professor's intentions and emotions spinning out of control, murder ensues.

Dawn Steele leads an all-star cast in Verdict, originally written for the stage in 1958.

What a first night! Outstanding, flawless performances from an extremely polished cast; utterly absorbing theatre.