ALEXANDRA THEATRE, BIRMINGHAM – UNTIL SATURDAY 5TH MARCH 2022
REVIEWED BY NADIA DODD
5*****
Based on the 1987 thriller film, this iconic story is now on stage and touring like you have never seen it before. And I literally hadn’t seen it before! Not seeing the film but knowing the basic plot the cast last night had me gripped throughout the performance with such a dangerous and intoxicating turn of events.
We start with a happily married Dan Gallagher (Oliver Farnworth) who finds himself at a chance meeting with Alex Forrest (Kym Marsh). As Dan’s wife, Beth Gallagher (Susie Amy) is away from home for the weekend, after a very flirty meal together they decide to see how discreet they can be and spend a very passionate evening together. Something that Dan wants to put behind him as he knows he has made a mistake, he loves his wife and daughter and doesn’t want this to jeopardise his relationship.
Alex, has a very different idea about how she sees their ‘relationship’ and makes this extremely clear to Dan that she will not be messed about and simply pushed to one side now Dan has had his night of ecstasy.
Prepare yourself for adult language, violence, some nudity and scenes of self harm which were slightly difficult to watch. Kym Marsh really bought this character to life, seductive, sexy, obsessive and kind of crazy. Impressive American accent also from the actress born in Merseyside.
The second half of the show turns much darker when the wife, Beth finds out about the night of seduction after Dan has to come clean when Alex just won’t stop pursuing him at home or the office.
The setting of the stage is great and very clever, using up to date face time calls and mobile phones which is obviously not part of the 80’s film. Even the lighting and music is dramatic and so intense at times that you really are filled with suspense awaiting the next move.
The play is tipped to be the most provocative and gripping stage play of this year and undoubtedly it will be after such a great first evening show in Birmingham last night.
Fatal Attraction is such a sultry, seductive thriller it’s hard to look away once it gets going. With obsessive Alex around you can’t afford to take your eye off the ball or the bunny ….. just in case……