Words from Ian McKellen
Agatha Christie thrillers were the staple of repertory theatres in the '50s and '60s. This one was mauled by a director who tried simulating a cinematic presentation by lowering the stage lights and concentrating the audience’s attention on the “close-up” of some detail. Save me from directors (or actors) with a “concept” – unless, of course, it works! In Black Coffee, it didn’t.