Murdered with love
The first play in this year’s Classic Thriller Season at the Theatre Royal, Nottingham, got off to a cracking start on Monday, August 2.
I always look forward to seeing these productions by the Colin McIntyre Theatre Company and am never disappointed.
Unfortunately some members of the audience seemed to cough their way through all the action and crucial bits of Murder With Love by Francis Durbridge.
Although I have seen it several times before and knew what was going on I did feel sorry for those who had never seen it.
This time round it was well-directed by Nicholas Briggs. It was set in the 1970s and the costumes, wigs, and set fitted the bill and the acting did not go too over the top.
Jeremy Lloyd Thomas reprised his 2005 role as womanising Larry Campbell, the wannabe entrepreneur who is disliked by many people, including his own brother.
He always makes a good baddie and relished the role, strutting his stuff in high platforms and flared trousers. However, he dies early on and everyone becomes a suspect.
Jo Castleton was once again the scarlet woman, Clare Norman, Larry’s pretty girlfriend, who paraded her svelte figure in a red negligée and slippers.
John Hester, who played the detective Cleaver last time, was cast as Larry’s inventive brother, Roy, never seen without wearing a duffel coat and clutching a brown satchel.
Adrian Lloyd-James, who directed the play last time, played Cleaver. He kept asking questions in a comical style to try tofind out whodunnit.
Karen Henson was a joy to watch as columnist Jo Mitchell who becomes embroiled in the murder case over some letters.
Samuel Clemens is excellent as lawyer David Ryder who is the chief suspect as his name is written on Larry’s notepaper and the murder weapon is found in his car.
Al Naed is great as the cheeky chappie George Rudd, who tries to blackmail all and sundry so he can emigrate to Canada. He sees far too much for his own good.
Patric Kearns is Ryder’s lawyer friend, Ernest Foster, while Susan Earnshaw is Ryder’s housekeeper, Mrs Bedford. The thriller is full of twists and turns and will keep you guessing to the end — DAB.
