Theatre Royal Windsor – until 26 March 2022
Reviewed by Joanna Huggett
4****
Known as a radio play it is read in an authentic studio setting, brought to life with live sound effects in the style of a vintage radio drama live on stage. It depends on dialogue, music and sound effects to tell its story. Theatre Royal Windsor proved to be an ideal venue for The Unexpected Guest.
The play opens with sounds of a crash and thunder and the appearance of Michael Starkwedder, played by Khris Marshall, arriving at a country house late at night. He finds Laura Warwick, played by Sally Bretton, holding a gun, with her husband lying dead. Both leading actors gave strong convincing performances whilst they tried to assess and make sense of what had just happened. They set the scene of what was to follow.
Other outstanding performances were from Inspector Thomas, played by Robert Duncan and Mrs Warwick, played by Marti Webb. The other members of the cast, actors Jeffrey Harmer, Martin Carroll, Rosie Thomson and Joe Trancini, all gave strong supporting performances.
The dialogue and clear diction from all the cast made the play a pleasure to watch. The final twist at the end of the play, although predictable to some, achieved a gasp from the audience. The performance was very well received and is to be thoroughly recommended.