PLAYHOUSE, LIVERPOOL – UNTIL SATURDAY 24TH MAY 2025
REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN
5*****
I walked into the Playhouse last night with absolutely no idea what to expect. I wasn’t even familiar with the name of the film, though I recognised Alfred Hitchcock’s name, having directed classics like The Birds and Psycho. The gentleman sitting beside me mentioned that he had high expectations, having seen the film and thoroughly enjoyed it. Curiously, I had done a bit of research and wondered how they could possibly adapt a movie featuring a crop duster biplane, a sleeper train, car chases and Mount Rushmore into a stage play. To my delight, I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome.
Under the direction of Emma Rice, Wise Children brings Hitchcock’s suspenseful narrative to life as a theatrical spectacle, prioritising playful subversion over the tension inherent in the film. The production fully embraces theatricality, featuring six versatile actors who take on multiple roles, complemented by clever props such as suitcases. True to Rice’s penchant for the unexpected, inventive, and entertaining, this show boldly makes its own mark on the Hitchcock spy thriller.
The story centres on Roger Thornhill (Ewan Wardrop), a New York advertising executive who is mistakenly identified as a spy when he stands up to make a phone call in a hotel lobby. From that moment on, he finds himself pursued by state enemies, resulting in a series of misadventures.
The entire cast, along with the creative team, deserves recognition for their incredible contributions, but Katy Owen, who narrates as The Professor, truly stands out. She is a chameleon on stage, exuding charisma, confidence, and a captivating energy that draws the audience in, creating a genuine connection with the performance. Her impeccable comedic timing adds to her brilliance, making her absolutely hilarious.
Wardrop, in the lead role, delivers a captivating performance, perfectly capturing the charm and vulnerability of his character. Patrycja Kujawska supports him beautifully as Eve Kendall, infusing the narrative with depth and intrigue. Meanwhile, Karl Queensborough takes on the mysterious villain Phillip Vandamm and elicits uproarious laughter in his portrayal of Roger’s mother. Vandamm’s two murderous minions, Anna, portrayed by Mirabelle Gremaud, and Valerian, played by Simon Oskarsson, are notably humorous and bring a delightful charm to the performance with their ability to embody a variety of characters. The dynamic interactions among the entire cast on stage were truly captivating!
Rob Howell’s stage and set design, featuring four revolving doors, is exceptionally clever. It allows the actors to make entrances while also serving as different locations. Additionally, the labelled suitcases offer useful cues for both locations and characters, frequently unveiling intriguing props.
There is so much more I could share, but I don’t want to spoil any of the highlights. If you’re in the mood for an evening of top-notch theatrical entertainment that offers a captivating story filled with fun, flair, and plenty of surprises, then I highly recommend you give this a try. I can genuinely say that I have never witnessed anything quite like this on stage.