Radio 4 drama imagines Agatha Christie's 1930 visit to the island

A new Radio 4 drama inspired by Agatha Christie’s 1930 trip to the island will be broadcast today (15 October) from 14:15, Manx Radio has reported.

‘Celtic Christie: Hidden Treasures’ offers an imagined account of the author’s time here. She came at the invitation of the island’s tourist board, which commissioned her to write a mystery containing clues to a real treasure hunt to draw visitors. She was reportedly paid £60.

Mona’s Herald recorded in April 1930 that Christie had crossed to Douglas looking for local colour and was staying at Government House as a guest of Sir Claude and Lady Hill.

The result, ‘Manx Gold’, ran in five instalments in the Daily Dispatch that May. Its clues led to four snuffboxes, each holding a £100 voucher, which were eventually found at Peel Hill, Meayll Circle near Cregneash, Derby Fort and Mooragh Park. Residents of the island were not allowed to take part.

Manx artist Michael Starkey designed a 2003 Isle of Man Post Office stamp based on the story. He told Manx Radio he was excited to hear how the visit is portrayed. Recalling the design, he said: “I painted a black dog on it, to represent the Moddey Dhoo, but they said it was too sinister!”