by Stephen Grigg
Tudor Players' latest offering is penned by the creative mind
responsible for the seminal works The Stepford Wives and The Boys from
Brazil. It is no surprise then that Ira Levin's comic thriller is an
intelligent play that subverts the regular whodunit conventions.
Way ahead of his time in the 1970s, Levin's play concerns murder most foul
in order to secure intellectual property. Director Peter Howard navigates
his fine cast through more twists and turns than Hampton Court. On a piscine
note, there are plenty of red herrings and some cod foreign accents. Roger
Bingham is terrific as Sidney Bruhl who may or may not be in cahoots with
nervous wife Myra, Andrea Howard, regarding bumping off newbie playwright
Clifford, John Moran. Although a comedy, one or two violent moments shock as
the double-crossing goes exponential.
Judith Wade resists the temptation to go over the top and convinces as
psychic neighbour Helga. Her predictions are eerily accurate as she picks up
the disturbing energies in the room. Kevin Cheeseright pops up in a cameo as
legal adviser Porter Milgrim, not immune to the seductive force of the
winning script.
As well as the good players, the set looks first class. The authentic
furniture evokes the eighteenth century home nicely. The plethora of
weaponry looked frighteningly genuine. Indeed, a certain apprehension arose
as Bingham pointed a loaded crossbow at the audience.
Despite the blood-spattered bodies however, Levin maintains a tone of
levity, humour and silliness so we are chuckling not quaking in our boots on
leaving the theatre.
Call 0114-2853450 for details.
|
