Festival Theatre, Malvern – until 29th March 2025
Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau
5*****
I must admit that I’ve never read any Peter James books, nor seen any of his adaptations, but I was eagerly anticipating a good old thriller/police chase. This show didn’t disappoint.
The story involved a couple buying a painting at a car boot sale, only to discover that it turned out to be a whole lot more than they bargained for – both in terms of monetary value, interested parties and the havoc wreaked around them. With plenty of shady characters being pursued by able police officers, the game was afoot (as a famous detective was apt to proclaim).
Fiona Wade and Ben Cutler made a handsome and believable couple (The Kiplings) who stumble upon a priceless work of art. Their relationship felt genuine and they had wonderful chemistry together. I loved their portrayals.
Our venerable rozzers, Roy Grace (George Rainsford) and Bella Moy (Gemma Stroyan), were good value for their money. Although lacking the panache and quirkiness of Lt Columbo, they nonetheless were steely, logically inventive and likable. I’d feel safe if they turned up to investigate a crime I’d been a victim of!
Our villains were suitably hissable; Stuart Piper (Nicholas Maude) was a suave, elegant gentleman criminal who was all charm until his plans were thwarted and then he turned into the Krays. Jodie Steele (psycho killer Roberta Kilgore) was having a ball playing a thoroughly nasty piece of work. A powerhouse performance that conveyed genuine menace. Lastly (on the dark side) was Archie Goff (played by Mark Oxtoby) who was a breath of fresh air, giving us that juxtaposition when a hoi polloi career criminal gets to hob knob with the less than refined gentry in a glamorous fruity binge.
Two other actors deserving special mention are Adam Morris (as Oliver De Souza), having a scream playing the famous art critic – a recognizably delicious concoction and catalyst for an early belly laugh moment (which I won’t spoil). And last but not least was painter Dave Hegarty, played to perfection by Peter Ash. His was a nuanced, thrilling performance which ensured he was on Santa’s naughty and nice list at the same time!
Quite a feat and Peter was magnificent throughout – in his world of fake, he stood out as truly authentic.
The set was as modern as some of the masterpieces in Hegerty’s studio; giving all the spaces necessary to flesh out the story in a clever, compact design. Very inventive design from Adrian Linford. Equally impressive for delineating the spaces and other evocative effects was lighting designed by Jason Taylor.
The first half was enjoyable without being revelatory but the pace of the story ramped up in the second half, approaching breakneck speed towards a thrilling conclusion that was very satisfying. Many an unexpected bungle and twist along the way gave this work an ultimate zippy freshness.
On a scale of painting by numbers to Old Masters this show is definitely on the gallery-worthy end of the spectrum. So my advice is to grab the partner of your choice and hotfoot it down to Malvern Theatres while tickets for this fantastic show last. Unlike many in this play, you won’t be sorry