The ‘Queen of Suspense’ Christie keeps you on the edge of your seats with her story, which has transferred to the stage, providing enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end. Gareth Williams, one of the original members of The Flying Pickets stars as Hodgson in the whodunnit drama. He took time out of rehearsals to chat to Manchester’s Finest about his role and what audiences could expect from the production as it stops off on its UK tour.

MF: So tell us a bit about your role Gareth and how you are finding the tour?

GW: I’m really enjoying it, I get to work with a lovely bunch of people. I guess I’m the rustic relief in the show as the gardener Hodgson, popping through the French windows from time to time and helping uncover clues.

MF: What is the show about?

GW: Well ultimately it’s about a woman called Cecily Harrington who wins a large amount of money in a sweepstake and then meets a handsome and charming stranger who sweeps her off her feet.

In a whirlwind romance, she recklessly abandons her job, friends and fiancé to settle in the remote and blissful surroundings of a country cottage. So in the 1st act we are set in a flat in London and the 2nd act moves to a cottage in the country.

MF: With Agatha Christie novels there’s bound to be some surprises. We guess all doesn’t end well for Cecily?

GW: Well, there’s a definite twist at the end which will have the audience on the edge of their seats.

MF: You have northern roots don’t you Gareth? Didn’t you grow up in Blackpool - do you ever get the chance to go back and visit?

GW: Not as much as I’d like. It’s only when I’m working nearby that I get the chance to return. Nothing beats Blackpool for the best fish and chips and walking down the prom on a balmy evening.

MF: Obviously you were in acapella pop group The Flying Pickets for 7 years with hits such as ‘Only You’ which was Christmas number one in 1983-what were those days like?

GW: It was a lovely time and we were fortunate to travel all around Europe but even then we started out as actors and did the singing in our spare time at parties. It just somehow developed!

Catch Gareth and the rest of the cast of Love From A Stranger at The Lowry until 14th July. Buy Tickets The Lowry, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ 0843 208 6000 https://www.thelowry.com/