Cambridge Arts Theatre, Cambridge – until Saturday 7th September 2024
Reviewed by Steph Lott
5*****
Last night, the Cambridge Arts Theatre audience was eagerly anticipating a good yarn as the curtain rose on “Rebus: A Game called Malice,” a theatrical adaptation of Sir Ian Rankin’s beloved detective series. Directed by Loveday Ingram and penned by Rankin himself alongside Simon Reade, this production brings Rankin’s spiky Jekyll and Hyde detective John Rebus off the gritty streets of Edinburgh and into a posh dinner party. As the lights dimmed and the first scene unfolded, it became clear from the dramatic black out that we were in for a good gripping tale.
Gray O’Brien stepped into the shoes of the iconic John Rebus with a commanding presence that immediately captured the essence of Rankin’s complex protagonist. O’Brien’s portrayal was nuanced, balancing Rebus’s world-weary cynicism with flashes of sharp wit and unwavering determination. His gravelly voice and measured movements brought an authenticity to the character; he portrays to me exactly how I have always imagined John Rebus to be.
Gray O’Brien was supported by a talented cast. I particularly enjoyed Billy Hartman’s turn as Jack Fleming, which added a layer of moral ambiguity to the proceedings. Hartman expertly walked the line between charm and menace, leaving the audience constantly guessing about his true motives. His scenes with O’Brien were particularly riveting, the two actors playing off each other with an enjoyable intensity. Added to this was Jade Kennedy who delivered a standout performance as Candida Jones. Kennedy infused her character with a youthful energy that belied a sharp intelligence, creating some of the play’s most memorable moments. Glamorous as she is, Candida is not what she appears to be!
The two other female characters provide a fine comparison. Abigail Thaw’s performance as Stephanie Jeffries was equally impressive and Teresa Banham brought a quiet dignity to her role as Harriet Godwin. Her understated performance provided a counterpoint to the more volatile characters, and her moments of vulnerability were genuinely touching. Neil McKinven’s portrayal of Paul Godwin was intriguing – he’s been up to something – but what?
Loveday Ingram’s direction kept the pace brisk and the tension high throughout the two-hour runtime. The staging made excellent use of the intimate space, with transitions that maintained the story’s momentum. Ingram’s deft touch was evident in the way the play’s darker elements were balanced with moments of levity, preventing the proceedings from becoming grim.
Of necessity this was quite a convoluted plot. Rankin and Reade’s script ultimately delivered a satisfying and twisty tale though that kept the audience guessing until the final moments. The dialogue crackled with authenticity, capturing the distinctive cadences of Rankin’s prose. And I loved Rebus’ final line. You’ll have to see it to find out what it was!
“Rebus: A Game called Malice” is a great adaptation of the Rebus universe to the stage. How Rebus ends up in such an unexpected setting is utterly credible. With its strong performances, atmospheric staging, and gripping narrative, this production is a must-see for fans of Rankin’s work and newcomers alike. As the final curtain fell, the enthusiastic applause that filled the Cambridge Arts Theatre was a testament to the cast and crew’s achievement in bringing this complex tale of crime and justice to life.