A Quickie With ....

WHAT MADE YOU ADAPT THIS STORY?

It was a bit of luck really. I met one of the descendants of Agatha Christie to talk about playing a role in a different adaptation and happened to mention that Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? was my favourite. He said, “Well, are you planning to do that?” and I said, “Well, there’s no obvious role for an elderly gentleman like me. But I’d love to have a crack at writing it.” He went slightly pale and because he couldn’t think of a reason why not, he grudgingly conceded, and I started to write it. WHY DO YOU LOVE IT SO MUCH?

I think is has one of the most spine-tingling revelations of any of her stories. But most of all, I was in love with the characters, specifically Frankie, who was my first crush. I love Frankie and Bobby, and I’m rooting for them. I want them to fall in love.

WHAT DID YOU LOOK FOR IN THE LEAD ROLES?

I was looking for people who could balance the heroic side of the characters – who you could trust to do the right thing, but would make an adventure out of it. To find two actors who can do both things is tricky and Will and Lucy are of that breed.