Royal Theatre, Windsor – until 10 February 2024
Reviewed by Joanna Huggett
5*****
We had the pleasure of watching ‘Sleuth’ at the Theatre Royal Windsor, written by Anthony Shaffer, a play describing itself as ‘the World’s Greatest Thriller’.
The whole play takes place in the living room of a country house belonging to Andrew Wyke (played by Todd Boyce), an aristocratic author of detective novels, who invites Milo Tindle (played by Neil McDermott), a simple businessman with a few financial difficulties, to discuss Milo’s plans to marry Andrew’s estranged wife Marguerite. But, just like the peculiar twists and turns of Andrew’s novels, nothing is ever as it really seems. What ensues is a series of provocations, dares and double-crosses between the two, seemingly sparring for the hand of Marguerite as the ultimate prize.
The play takes place over two acts; the events of that first evening followed by the concluding game play in the second and final act. Indeed, the series of games and point scoring between the two characters is succinctly described as a tennis match comprising of games won or lost, completing the set and then ultimately the match.
A superb production, set in stage scenery which deserves to be billed as the third member of the performance, and some excellent sound and visual effects keep you on the edge of your seat to the very end.
A wonderful cast, some extraordinary acting, and an altogether enjoyable evening in Windsor