Grand Opera House York – until 14th July 2018
Reviewed by Catherine McWilliams
3***
The Classic Thriller Theatre Company’s production of The Case of The Frightened Lady took us back to the 1930’s at the Grand Opera House. This is a play by Edgar Wallace and this 1930’s setting is rather uncomfortable to watch at times with a modern eye. The play revolves around Marks Priory, the family home of the Lebanons, this is no Downton but a house where the class system is in full swing and Lady Lebanon (Deborah Grant) really does not care about anything or anyone other than family.
We are introduced to the characters as a fancy dress party is being held to celebrate the restoration of Charles II, a family tradition. It is clear from the start that things are not quite right in this household, but there is nothing that you can quite put your finger on. This is a classic whodunit, so a murder occurs fairly quickly though I have to say I was surprised as to who was murdered. Chief Superintendent Tanner (Gray O’Brien) and Detective Sergeant Totti (Oliver Phelps) are brought in to investigate, to the displeasure of all, and are thrown red herrings, misdirections and downright lies! I will admit to getting it completely wrong but of course once faced with the solution it is all too obvious.
The action all takes place in the hall of Marks Priory with the characters telling us what has happened elsewhere. This works well and the hall is a beautiful traditional room. The dresses are stunning and wonderfully evoke the 1930s.
Deborah Grant gives a cracking performance as the odious Lady Lebanon, obsessed with her family history and determined to marry off her son so an heir can be produced. She really was an unlikable character and I can’t have been the only person in the audience seething at her attitudes and comments! Denis Lill played Dr Amersham beautifully, making him a particularly odious character too.
Ben Nealon made her son Lord Lebanon a bit of a buffon, but played his part to perfection. Gray O’Brien was a convincing Chief Superintendent Tanner as he struggled to unpick the crime and the lies he was being told and he was ably supported by Oliver Phelps as Detective Sergeant Totti. Simon Desborough and Callum Coates glided silently, adding a nice touch of mystery as Gilder and Brook.
It was good to stretch the grey matter whilst at the theatre, trying to work out whodunit. If you are a fan of TV crime programmes why not have a change and go and see this play and support live theatre.