The New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
Presents
Monday 10th - Saturday 15th November 2014
Peter James is one of the best and most treasured UK crime and thriller novelists and his books are sold worldwide. He has also branched out and is an established film producer and scriptwriter so 'The Perfect Murder' was set to be a roller coaster ride from the start. Adapted by Shaun McKenna, it was been wonderfully plucked from the pages of a book and set on stage. It is never easy to adapt a classic novel, but he has managed it with great success.
We have Victor Smiley, played by Robert Daws who is best known for his performances in The Royal and Outside Edge. He is a middle aged man who has grown tired of his 20 year marriage to Joan, played by Monarch of the Glen, Wild at Heart Actress Dawn Steele. He is obsessed by British crime and loves nothing better than a good Agatha Christie or Sherlock Holmes, he even gets himself a tattoo saying WWSD, which stands for 'What would Sherlock Do?'
Three times a week he attends The Kitten Parlour, a brothel, where he sees Croatian prostitute Kamila Wakak, played by Simona Armstrong. There he spills out his plans to murder his wife and collect the life insurance which he has had on her life for 6 years. We all think that this is going to be the 'Perfect Murder', but unbeknown to Victor, Joan has also grown bored of their marriage and has started an affair with hunky Taxi Driver Don Kirk, played by Gary O'Brien, Tony in Coronation Street. What will happen now? We do not wish to spoil the plot but I can tell you that it is full of twists, turns, fun, laughter, jumps, frights and high energy which is the perfect entertainment for any evening.
I believe that every couple can relate to Victor and Joan, which makes this play extremely realistic in an 'over the top' way. The annoying humming, constant snoring, pretending to strangle one another behind their backs when they are being righteous - oh the list goes on and on!! You definitely got a lot of knowing nudges from wives to husbands during the action.
As the plot thickens we see the introduction of Detective Constable Roy Grace, played by Thomas Howes, best known for playing William in Downton Abbey. He is an up and coming detective who enlists the help of Prostitute Kamila to solve murders due to her ability to touch an object and be able to see what has happened to its owner. Can she help him solve the 'Murder' in the Smiley household?
The cast were flawless and each gave a believable, individual performance that drew us all deeper into the action.
Ian Talbot's direction was superb, with constant movement and fast pace. You were constantly moving your attention to different parts of the stage to keep you gripped and discover new pieces to the plot.
The set by Michael Holt was cleverly positioned on three levels. We had the Smiley's living room / kitchen, with upstairs bedroom and also Kimila's small room within the Brothel. It was not only a practical set but also full of intrigue and precision. The action could continue throughout without the interruption of scene changes.
The changes were masterfully created using lighting which faded up and down perfectly throughout the performance. I thought that Mark Howett's subtle lighting interactions were wonderfully executed, from the evening light coming through the windows to the spooky shadows coming from the doors. The depiction of the television going on and off was cleverly thought out, with subtle flickers hitting the back of the walls.
Sound was also an important part of this production and Martin Hodgson created a feeling of tension, intrigue, wonder and terror at just the right moments with lovely timed fading's up and down of music. The sound queues were perfectly timed with the ringing of house phones and mobiles.
Overall, this was a well rounded, well structured piece of theatre which has you on your toes, laughing out load and relating to it. A wonderful nights entertainment and a definite 'must see' production with a fabulous cast and crew.
The Perfect Murder runs until Saturday 15th November so grab your tickets now.
Book over the Phone: 0844 871 3011
Book Online:
http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-perfect-murder/new-alexandra-theatre-birmingham/#showinfotabs=showtimes
Review by Jayne Lunn
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