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York Theatre Royal – until Saturday 13th April 2024

Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

3***

Presented by the Everyman Theatre Company, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is currently playing at the York Theatre Royal. On a cold and wet Tuesday evening, I set off to experience the enchantment of Shakespeare’s timeless classic.

The play follows the absolutely bonkers story, full of sub-plots and many different characters, played by a fairly small cast. It’s a tale of four young lovers, unrequited love, a mischievous group of fairies and a reluctant group of amateur actors. Set in the mystical realm of Athens, where comedy and chaos collide.

The cast brought their own energy and interpretation to each of the characters they portrayed. Leading the cast as the much-loved character of Bottom, is inimitable clown Tweedy. His depiction was slightly different from the norm, very slapstick, full of physical comedy, it was just like going to see the circus and watching the clowns entertaining in the ring. He makes a wonderful ass, courtesy of the playful Puck (Jeremy Stockwell).

Centring around the soon to be marriage of Theseus (Troy Alexander) and Hippolyta (Natalie Winsor), we meet the lovers, Hermia (Nadia Shash), Helena (Laura Noble), Lysander (Oliver Brooks) and Demetrius (Thomas Nelstrop), who have complicated relationships, which only increase with the manipulation of fairies. They each played their role with passion and humour. I especially enjoyed watching Brooks and Shash, with their outlandish expressions and mannerisms, I found them both pretty hilarious.

The play within the play, a creation of a group of amateur actors, bring a sense of lightness and absurdity to the story. They stumble through rehearsals and the final performance, such a comical experience. Noble is truly outstanding in her role as the stroppy Flute, flouncing about. This was my standout performance on the night, she had the whole audience in stiches.

Of course, no production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, would be complete without the mischievous Fairy King (Alexander), his Queen (Winsor) and their band of meddlesome fairies, flittering about on stage. Their costumes shimmered, sparkling away under the lighting, bringing a sense of magic and enchantment to the show.

This is probably my favourite Shakespearean play, I enjoy the madness. I must admit that I got a bit lost at times during the show and was confused to what was happening, but was soon steered back on track, luckily.

The use of music and dance brings a magical ambience to the stage, perfect for the whimsical nature of this play. This comedy can be quite confusing, but the whole cast gelled well together and worked so hard in all their roles, ensuring an enjoyable evening at the theatre.

The Grand Theatre Leeds – until 13 April 2024

Reviewed by Sal E Marino

4****

BAFTA and EMMY award-winning comedy Drop the Dead Donkey, which was broadcast in the 1990s on Channel 4 has made a comeback but as a stage show. Does it still pack a punch and have the same sharp wit as the original? There was a mixed review going on throughout the play given the number of chuckles coming from the audience that ranged from full-on rip-roaring laughter to some rye smiles. I guess it all depends on if you’re already familiar with the TV series, a newbie or if it’s your kind of humour. My guest and I were newbies but bumped into a couple I know who are avid fans of the show and they were delighted with the performance whereas we were entertained but also a little perplexed by some of the ‘in jokes’. However, we weren’t disappointed and anything that pokes fun at clown-land Westminster and the ‘double-think’ phrases and slogans that have become common place in society today gets a well-deserved smiley face and a LOL from me (which relates to the shows ongoing roll of ‘Tweets’ on a big screen).

Many of the original cast were reunited back to the office news hub room and after greeting each other with a resounding F word you know from then on that there will be nothing but fireworks from the off! We cleverly learn lots about the characters as they each the stage which is useful for a newbie and that knowledge is key to then understand the never-ending snipes and gripes that they hurl at one another throughout the show. It also becomes clear who is who in terms archetypes: lovable and eccentric fool, George (Jeff Rawle), the one with a past and is still living it lover, Dave (Neil Pearson), the dependable and only sensible one, Helen (Ingrid Lacey), the villain, Joy (Susannah Doyle), the newbie and not of the old gang, Rita (Kerena Jagpal), the boss, Gus (Robert Duncan), the ‘wanna be’ cover-girl-queen who never was, Sally Smedley (Victoria Wicks), the maverick reporter who never was, Damien (Stephen Tomkinson) and finally the outcast enemy, Mairead (Julia Hills).

Gus gave me the most laughs as he outlined everything that was wrong with today’s ‘news’ when he explained to his new team how the algorithms work and concluded that nobody believes the news today so does it really matter what they say and if they get it wrong, because if no one believes it, then no one is being deceived. The ‘tweets’ that keep coming up on the screen really do capture the movement of today’s ‘news’ which is that we have become fascinated by the hapless presenters with regards to what they say and how they say it and it is this that has become entertainment and their blunders create the actual news! Sally’s victimhood speeches to the audience and how she shared their feelings and hurt regarding some nonsensical rubbish were stand out jokes for me. The staging was very slick and toilet cubical stickers created lots of laughs.

The cast did a great job at offending everybody so no one can complain that they were left out and excluded. ‘Being out of touch’ kind of did a 360-degree head-turn on the language which causes so many heated debates today – very clever! The jokes are on current and developing situations and this gives it an edge which if some of the characters old back-stories had been taken out would have made the whole production more engaging for me personally but I totally accept that’s unfair to the original fans.

Even though I was new to Drop the Dead Donkey, I still found some of the humour spot on and had a great night out at The Grand which is the most beautiful and welcoming theatre in Yorkshire.

MAYFLOWER THEATRE JOINS UP WITH THEATRICAL LYDIA FOR HER

PAY IT FORWARD 9/11 CAMPAIGN

TO MARK THE ARRIVAL OF THE MUSICAL COME FROM AWAY

To mark Come From Away arriving to Southampton from 16 – 20 April, Mayflower Theatre has joined up with Theatrical Lydia for her Pay It Forward 9/11 Campaign to run a food bank drive.

At the heart of Come From Away is a story about compassion, community, and resilience. Sharing the incredible real-life story of 7,000 stranded air passengers and the people who welcomed them into their lives with open arms and hearts, giving all that they had.

Mayflower Theatre and Theatrical Lydia are asking people who will be attending the show during its weeklong run to bring an item of non-perishable food or pet food to the theatre where they will be able to donate this to Feed the Community Foodbank in Southampton.

Theatrical Lydia is following the Come From Away tour all around the UK after first discovering the show in December 2019. It is here that Lydia met Laura Townsend, another firm supporter of the show who saw the show over 150 times worldwide. Laura decided that she was going to travel alongside the tour, carrying out ‘Pay It Forward’ actions in each tour stop. Unfortunately, Laura fell ill last year, and sadly passed away a short time after in June, meaning that she sadly never saw the tour come to fruition. Lydia then decided in honour of her friend that she would then be the one to tour the UK and ‘Pay It Forward’ in as many locations as possible. After noticing Lydia online, Mayflower Theatre reached out keen to help out with the ‘Pay It Forwards’ and this is where the food bank drive idea came to life.

Pay It Forward 9/11 is a global initiative that was set up by the real-life Kevin Tuerff – a real ‘Come From Away’ who features in the show itself. The global initiative aims to spread kindness as a way to honour the Newfoundlanders who inspired the production’s heartwarming true story.

Michael Ockwell, Chief Executive of Mayflower Theatre says ‘We are delighted to be able to get involved with ‘Pay It Forward’ alongside Theatrical Lydia to celebrate the wonderful show that is Come From Away. We know that audiences have real potential to make a difference in our community and we look forward to seeing how much food is donated.’

Lydia Greatrix of Theatrical Lydia says ‘I’m super excited to be working with Mayflower Theatre whilst Come From Away is in town, to spread the show’s important message of kindness and community. Theatre isn’t just a fun night out, it can really make a difference in the world, and I can’t wait to help make a difference in Southampton. I hope the people of Southampton will open their hearts, and their cupboards, to help those less fortunate and help the Feed The Community foodbank.’

Kevin Tuerff, President and Founder of Pay It Forward 9/11 says ‘The goal of Pay It Forward 9/11 was set on the first anniversary of the attacks in 2002. Each year, we honor the lives lost in the attacks

by doing good deeds for strangers. This month’s kindness event with Mayflower Theatre and Pay It Forward ambassador Lydia Greatrix is a perfect opportunity for everyone to remember the 67 citizens of the UK who perished at the World Trade Center. Kindness will always defeat terror.’

Victoria Ugwoeme, Manager of Feed the Community Foodbank says ‘Our cause is to create a bond that glues communities together through food, to help improve creativity and well-being. Building a wider sense of community spirit for all. We are so happy that Mayflower Theatre and Lydia have decided to work with us on this and will hopefully see lots of donations from the audiences of Come From Away.’

Come From Away runs at Mayflower Theatre from 16 – 20 April 2024 and tickets are available from mayflower.org.uk or 02380 711811.

To find out more about Pay It Forward 9/11 please visit: https://www.payitforward911.org/

To find out more about Theatrical Lydia’s mission please visit her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theatricallydia/

Cumberland Arms Newcastle – Tuesday 9th April 2024

Reviewed by Sandra Little

4****

This stand up comedy event at Cumberland Arms in Newcastle was a preview of a similar event, “Tyne to Stand Up 3,” which takes place on 2nd July at Tyne Theatre and Opera House. Both events involve female and non binary comics performing on a voluntary basis to raise money for Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland.

The show at Cumberland Arms was hosted by Alex Redman and saw eight local female comedians and one male comedian take to the stage. Those taking part were as follows:

Elizabeth Mitchell, Pheebs Stephenson, Helen White, Norman Johnson, Fran Best, Brogan Brannan, Julie Metcalfe, Bethany Emma, Fisa Humpledink and Pamela Tracey.

This diverse group of stand up comedians provided the audience with a wide range. of comedic styles and subject matter. There was anecdotes from the classroom from Elizabeth Mitchell, performance poetry from Brogan Brannan which refered to internet dating, and a comedy routine from Fran Best which included seven house bricks! Meanwhile Julie Metcalfe gave the audience her view of life as an older person and Pamela Tracey’s routine gave an amusing view of motherhood and drug taking. Other comedians taking part also had very individual styles and varied subject matter for their routines.

There was definitely something for everyone in this performance and although I found some routines more amusing than others I definitely could not choose a favourite from this diverse range of talent. The atmosphere in this upstairs room at the Cumberland Arms was warm and friendly, the audience was enthusiastic and seemed to enjoy the,”audience participation” aspect of the show that went alongside the acts on stage.

If you enjoy comedy, wish to see new and emerging talent and would like to support a very worthwhile charity then I would definitely recommend a visit to the iconic Tyne Theatre and Opera House on 2nd July. Comedians donating their time for free on this occasion include Sammy Dobson, Lauren Pattison, Zoe and Anja Atkinson and many others.

Hull New Theatre – until 13th April 2024

Reviewed by Dawn Bennett

5*****

Last night the Cluedo 2 cast treated us to an absolute masterclass in comic timing. The show was obviously very well-rehearsed as they moved themselves, the scenery and props around the stage effortlessly.

Written by Maurice Gran and Laurence Marks and directed by Mark Bell, Cluedo 2 is set in 1968 at Gravely Manor which is owned by rockstar Rick Black (Liam Horrigan, who also plays other parts in the show) who lives there with his wife Mrs Peacock (Hannah Boyce). Rick Black has written and recorded some new music much to the delight of his manager Colonel Mustard (Jason Durr) as the cash is now running out and he needs the royalties! Miss Scarlett (Ellie Leach) has been brought in to renovate the stately pile. There is going to be a gin commercial filmed the next day and next to arrive at the house is Wadsworth (Jack Bennett) who is an actor playing the butler in the commercial. The formidable cook/housekeeper Mrs White (Dawn Buckland) keeps the house running, Ricks friend Professor Plum (Edward Howells), Reverend Green (Gabriel Paul) who is over from the USA to see Rick and PC Silver (Tiwai Muza) make up the rest of the people in the house. The plot has lots of twists and turns and I really didn’t know whodunnit right until the end.

The body count in this show is quite high, there are two by the end of the first half alone. The first half introduces the characters and the second half moves the story along at quite a pace with lots of red herrings and even more bodies!

All the cast were outstanding particularly Jason Durr who played Colonel Mustard with a wonderful over the top southern American accent, Jack Bennett who was hilarious as Wadsworth the actor/butler (who wasn’t really the butler!) and Ellie Leach who was marvellous in her first stage role as Miss Scarlett.

I really enjoyed this production and I would recommend you go and see whodunnit for yourself!

His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen – until Saturday 13th April 2024

Reviewed by Fiona Leyman

4****

What would you do in the name of love? You would probably do anything right, but some go that little bit further, and one of the most famous love stories is that of Bonnie & Clyde. This isn’t your typical love story though, where they live happily ever after, in fact, they didn’t live that long at all. Most know the basic story of the infamous outlaws Bonnie Parker & Clyde Barrow. Tearing if up around the USA in the 1930s, robbing banks and killing law enforcement who get in their way, and then finally being shot to death in their car. It’s surprising that this is the extent of what most of us know. You don’t normally hear their back story as to why, how and the reason they did what they did. Winner of What’s on Stage’s Best New Musical award and fresh from London’s West End, they are now Raising a Little Hell around the UK on their new UK Tour to tell their story.

After attending the rehearsals in London for this touring company, I was excited to see the final production. It is notoriously hard for touring companies to have the same impact on the road as their counterparts did on a West End residency. Having seen the West End production it was hard not to make comparisons between the shows, but I was pleasantly surprised that they managed to pull this off. Set Designer Philip Witcomb, stayed true to his original design from its time at the Garrick Theatre in London. Bullet holes plastered all around the set, working props and the use of a projection screen to give the illusion of a moving set. This simple, but effective set is perfect for a production on the road.

Catherine Tyldesley, most notably known for her time on Coronation Street, has been cast to play Blanche Barrow. A perfect choice for this strong-willed character. This part was effortless for Catherine and showcased how much of a beautiful voice she has. Playing her husband Buck Barrow, Sam Ferriday (Jersey Boys, Treason) is a force on stage. His voice was one of the strongest and I personally wish Frank Wildhorn’s score could showcase his character’s voice a little more.

Having been to the rehearsals, Alex James-Hatton, who plays Clyde Barrow has by far made the most progress. I was a little worried that his voice was not strong enough for some of the higher pitched notes, but I was happy to be proved wrong when he was note perfect throughout. Belting out the classics “Raise a Little Hell”, “When I Drive” and “The World Will Remember Me/Us”, Alex is yet another perfect choice to play Clyde. His entire performance captivated the audience and managed to show the vulnerability of his character.

A stellar, stand out performance came from singer/songwriter Jaz Ellington who plays the Preacher. Bonnie & Clyde The Musical marks his theatre debut, and his soulful, gospel, smooth voice made him my star of the night. Jaz needed little effort to hit those high notes which echoed around the theatre. He is a notable star, who will have a long career in Musical Theatre.

Sadly, sounding issues made some of Bonnie’s, played by Katie Tonkinson (Bat Out of Hell) vocals a little high pitched. The beginning of Bonnie’s song “Dying Ain’t So Bad” was stunning, but as the tempo and sound increased, this unfortunately dampened the effect this song was trying to portray. Undoubtably, Katie has a beautiful voice, but these issues, did make it difficult to fully appreciate her talent.

Bonnie & Clyde The Musical is not one to be missed and without the sounding issues, wholeheartedly would have deserved 5 Stars. Bonnie & Clyde certainly Raised a Little Hell here in Aberdeen and we are sure to Remember Them!

THE ACTORY ANNOUNCES CAST & CREATIVE TEAM FOR

RENT

THE PHOENIX ARTS CLUB

20, 21, 27 & 28 APRIL

Theatre company The Actory have announced their first full-scale production of a musical, which will be the multi-award-winning and ground-breaking rock musical RENT. The production will run at the Phoenix Arts Club on 20, 21, 27 & 28 April.

The Actory is a theatre company that provides a course for professionals who want to keep performing in between contracts. The company consists of both actors who have been in the industry for years and those who are just finishing drama school. The company rehearse every Sunday for 13 weeks and put together a full-scale performance of a musical.

The company aims to gives performers the opportunity to continue with university and/or work during the week and meet up and create with a group of creatives every weekend comprising with getting to perform in a full-scale musical and proving a credit for the cast to add to their spotlight.

The production, which will be directed and choreographed by Charlotte Oetegenn and musically directed by Siân Campbell, will feature Bradley Hawkes as Mark Cohen, Samuel Bushell as Roger Davis, Renan Teodoro as Tom Collins, Álvaro Aragonez as Angel Dumott Schunard, Natalia Espana and Ainy Medina sharing the role of Mimi Marquez, Lois-Grace Atkins and Faith Holden sharing the role of Maureen Johnson, Olivia O’Connor and Viittoria Ferrario as Joanne Jefferson and Abi Kirkwood and Samantha Allison sharing the role of Benjamin Coffin III.

The Ensemble will be formed of Abi Kirkwood, Annie Whiting-Adams, Sarah Elisabeth Flinton, Eden Rose Hunter, Jack West, Julia Fankhouser, Nadine Chui, Samantha Allison, Tabitha Baines, Thibaud Lécluse and Zoe Kirk.

The performance on Saturday at 10:15am will be BSL Interpreted. More information can be found at https://phoenixartsclub.com/.

“COLE PORTER’S GREATEST MUSICAL COMEDY”

Playbill

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT

FOR THIS SUMMER’S HOTTEST MUSICAL

“The ultimate Broadway musical from the golden age”

Financial Times

Starring

Multi-Award-Winning Tony Award Winner

ADRIAN DUNBAR STEPHANIE J. BLOCK

As Fred Graham / Petruchio As Lilli Vanessi / Katharine

Music and Lyrics by COLE PORTER

Book by SAM AND BELLA SPEWACK

Directed by Tony Award Winner BARTLETT SHER

BARBICAN THEATRE

FROM 4 JUNE 2024

STRICTLY LIMITED ENGAGEMENT UNTIL 14 SEPTEMBER

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FROM KISSMEKATEMUSICAL.COM

Further casting has been announced for one of the all-time classic musical comedies, KISS ME, KATE, which is making a long awaited return to the London stage this summer for a strictly limited 15-week run from 4th June until 14th September at the Barbican Theatre. Tickets on sale now from KissMeKateMusical.com.

Joining the star-studded line-up for this summer’s blockbuster is a talented cast of actors with a wealth of West End credits. The role of Hattie will be played by Josie Benson, Paul will be played by Jack Butterworth and the role of Harry Trevor/Baptista will be played by Jude Owusu. Hortensio/Ensemble will be played by Carl Au, Gremio/Ensemble will be played by Jordan Crouch, Ralph/Ensemble will be played by Gary Milner and the role of Pops/Ensemble will be played by James Hume. The full ensemble comprises, Alisha Capon, Shani Cantor, Maya de Faria, Amelia Kinu Muus, Jacqui Jameson, Lucas Koch, Alex Lodge, Nell Martin, Anna McGarahan, John Stacey and Harrison Wilde. Swings are Robin Kent, Barry Drummond, Emily Goodenough and Maddie Harper.

KISS ME, KATE will star the multi-award-winning Adrian Dunbar (Ridley, Line of Duty) making his musical theatre debut as Fred Graham / Petruchio and Broadway musical superstar and Tony Award winner Stephanie J. Block (Into The Woods, The Cher Show, 9 To 5) making her West End debut as Lilli Vanessi / Katharine.

They star alongside Charlie Stemp (Crazy For You, Mary Poppins), playing Bill Calhoun, Rising star Georgina Onuorah (The Wizard of Oz / Oklahoma!) will play Lois Lane / Biancam, Hammed Animashaun (A Midsummer Night’s Dream / Black Ops) and Nigel Lindsay (Victoria / Shrek The Musical) who are the singing hilarious gangsters and recently announced acting legend Peter Davison (Dr Who / All Creatures Great and Small) who will take on the role of the General in this highly anticipated show of the summer.

Producer Howard Panter said: “I am thrilled we have brought together an exceptional ensemble of actors to complete the stellar cast for this summer’s hottest musical. With some of the finest talent from the West End, they will undoubtedly bring immense joy to Barbican audiences. Plus a full-scale orchestra performing Cole Porter’s sensational classics and incredible choreography, KISS ME, KATE promises to be an absolute treat!”

Directed by Bartlett Sher (The King and I, South Pacific and To Kill A Mockingbird), this all-star creative team have collectively won a remarkable 20 Tony awards between them. The dynamic team includes renowned choreographer Anthony Van Laast, accomplished costume designer Catherine Zuber and leading set designer Michael Yeargan. With music and lyrics by Cole Porter and the original book by Bella & Samuel Spewack, this new production promises a symphony of wit, charm and musical brilliance. With a company of over 50, including a full-scale orchestra, and featuring Cole Porter classics such as ‘Another Op’nin’, Another Show’, ‘Brush Up Your Shakespeare’, ‘Tom, Dick or Harry’ and ‘It’s Too Darn Hot’ – KISS ME, KATE is the perfect musical spectacle for 2024.

The musical farce which brilliantly showcases Cole Porter’s razor-sharp wit, won Best Musical at the Tony Awards. It’s a sophisticated, ferociously funny, show within a show – which whisks you into a world of backstage chaos and romantic entanglements as a theatre company attempt to put on a production of Shakespeare’s ‘The Taming of the Shrew’. The battle of the sexes takes centre stage as former spouses feud, only to find the off-stage antics rival the drama on-stage. Throw in a number of cases of mistaken identity, confused love, gangsters and a spectacular tap routine and you get…KISS ME, KATE.

CREATIVE TEAM

Bartlett Sher – Director

Anthony Van Laast – Choreographer

Michael Yeargan – Set Designer

Catherine Zuber – Costume Designer

Donald Holder – Lighting Designer

Adam Fisher – Sound Designer

Stephen Ridley – Music Supervisor

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Barbican Theatre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS

First Performance: 4th June 2024

Final performance: 14th September 2024

Performances: Monday – Saturday at 7.30pm & Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm

Running time: Approx 2 hours 40 minutes (including interval)

Age guidance: 10+

Tickets from £29.50

Barbican Box Office: Barbican.org.uk or 020 7870 2500

(Telephone lines open Monday to Friday, 12.00 – 5.30pm)

Website: KissMeKateMusical.com

X: @KissMeKateUK

Facebook: @KissMeKateUK

Instagram: @KissMeKateUK

Access Performances:

Audio Described: Wednesday 17 July, 7.30pm (Touch Tour 5.30pm) and Saturday 10 August, 2.30pm (Touch Tour 12.30pm)

Captioned: Wednesday 24 July, 7.30pm and Saturday 17 August, 2.30pm

BSL interpreted: Wednesday 31 July, 7.30pm and Saturday 24 August, 2.30pm

Presented in association with the Barbican

Kings Theatre, Southsea – until 14th April 2024

Reviewed by Sally Lumley

5*****

Grease The Musical has been brought to the stage at the Kings Theatre in Portsmouth this week, in the latest of their in-house community productions. Made infamous by the 1978 movie, this is the story of teenage love, friendship and angst, set in 1950’s Rydell High School.

As the movie is so iconic we can’t help but compare any new production against it, and I’m happy to report that the Kings stood up to the challenge. This production was full of energy from the offset, and although this is a community production, it delivered a professional level end result.

Jacob Bailey as Danny Zuko was bursting with confident cool charisma. With his slicked back hair and gyrating hips, he evoked jailhouse rock Elvis vibes, while also bringing a good dose of teenage bravado to the role. Poppy Bailey provided the perfect balance as sweet, naive Sandy Dumbrowski; her flawless rendition of Hopelessly Devoted to You really showcased her vocal capabilities. They were very capably supported by the Pink Ladies and T-Birds, who collectively created what felt like a very believable friendship group and shone in their solo moments. Tom Wood’s Kenickie raised the roof with Greased Lightnin’, testing the limits of the audience members’ ability not to join in, and Amy Pickance as Betty Rizzo was the just the right amount of sardonic sarcasm and teenage vulnerability. A special mention has to be given though to the sparkling silver teen angel Stuart Warner, who milked the audience for all it was worth in a moment of pure disco ball magic (provided by lighting designer Mark Dymock).

With a full live band on stage throughout, and high energy ensemble numbers from choreographer Bee Anderson, this is a big production, and it is wonderful to see that the Kings Theatre have upped their game yet again with their in-house shows.

Grease is most definitely the word in Portsmouth this week, with all the energy and drama of a high school prom. Go like Greased Lightnin’, this is not to be missed.

Festival Theatre, Malvern – until 13th April 2024

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

5*****

Sleuth was playwright Anthony Shaffer’s debut – and what a way to start! Written (so the informative programme reveals) at the behest of his twin brother who thought it time that Anthony fulfilled his promise (and destiny); I’m glad that he was prodded into action.

The plot involves a wealthy writer inviting his wife’s lover round to discuss the unfolding situation and, in the course of the discourse, he comes up with a surprising and rather novel solution to the “problem”.

The set was a resplendent affair that convincingly transported us to a rather grand country home. Suitably dressed with all the nick-nacks one would find in an actual home, many of which caught my interest, it was a testament to a wonderful creation from Set and Costume Designer Julie Godfrey.

Sat at the desk as the curtain rises, tapping away at his typewriter – I still love the sound of a proper typewriter which takes me back to a more refined time – is Andrew Wyke (homeowner, writer and husband of the piece) played with gloriously off-kilter aplomb by Todd Boyce. Setting his stall out early with a highly theatrical reading from his latest fictional work, this wonderfully evocative portrayal delighted from start to finish. But there was far more to this character than originally met the eye and I loved the relish with which he took some rather surprising turns – and yet, though the character went through an at times jarring journey, the character remained true to himself. An enormously enjoyable and convincing performance from an actor on top form.

Soon enough Milo Tindle (Neil McDermott) arrived and the fun and (mind) games truly began. Tindle is a marvellous, rounded character giving us a perfect foil for Wyke to play against. A superbly judged, nicely nuanced performance that ran the gamut of emotions throughout. It’s difficult to wax lyrical in unbridled fashion without giving the plot away but Mr McDermott’s performance was fully fleshed out and wildly enjoyable. I was taken with his use of emotion and ability to dramatically pivot rapidly to change the entire complexion of a scene.

Director Rachel Kavanaugh revelled in the inherent dark humour (as did both of the actors) to great effect. The back story and unseen characters were also cleverly weaved in giving us the impression of a much larger cast and world than the one we are physically presented with on stage.

The opening act laid the foundations culminating in a spirited, shocking ending which made the mouth water in anticipation of a second act that turned out to be even better! This celebration of the plot twist a la Hitchcock’s famous TV show, left us perpetually wondering who was playing who and for what purpose.

I thoroughly enjoyed Sleuth, a play which keeps you thrillingly on the edge of your seat and generated much debate during the journey home. This latest production brings it to life with gusto and I’m sure the playwright would have thoroughly appreciated this impressive revival. I’m equally sure it’ll remain a very popular presence on stages everywhere and I, for one, thoroughly recommend it. Wickedly enthralling 5 star entertainment