The Mill at Sonning – until March 30th 2024
Reviewed by Marcia Spiers
4****
I was really looking forward to seeing this thriller and there are many unexpected plot twists that kept me engaged throughout the performance right until the end. It is not how I’d thought it would end and this left me a little disappointed but all the same it’s a good story and an enjoyable evening.
The once successful playwright Sidney Bruhl is experiencing writer’s block and living off his wife’s money. He is contacted by aspiring writer Clifford Anderson who sends him what looks like an exceedingly good play. Sidney invites Clifford to his home to discuss it.
Both are not who they seem and inevitably they try to outwit each other psychologically and with some really clever stage choreography. Nick Warning captures the essence of Sidney, with psychopathic tendencies and drawing upon dark humour which made the audience chuckle. George Watkins (Clifford) not only plays the naive talented writer but with an air of creepiness which kept the suspense right to the penultimate scene.
Emily Raymond ably plays Sidney’s wife Myra and has some tricky scenes to navigate. Myra is wary of her husbands erratic behaviour but does not necessarily discourage it. Her worst fears come true and she finds herself in a situation that she cannot get out of so goes along with it not anticipating her fate.
Philip Childs gives a solid performance as Porter Milgrim, Sidney’s lawyer, acting in a pompous professional capacity but with an agenda of his own together with Issy Van Randwyck whose excellent portrayal of Helga ten Dorp, the psychic neighbour appears to not only predict the future but make it happen.
The set design was really impressive and made good use of space available as well as depicting the outside. Clever lighting and sound that created the perfect atmosphere for an entertaining thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Concentration is key!