Murderer

By Robert Iles - 18th Nov 2004

Anthony Shaffer's Murderer is a lovely little thriller. An evening of wondering who done it, what they done and who is going to do what to whom next. Last seen in London in the early 1970's this play has sat in the shadow of its more famous brother 'Sleuth!' which it resembles in a number of ways, not least in the way the author finds ever more twists and turns to keep you guessing.

Adam Speer has found the voice of this play very well, a curious comment when the first 20 minutes or so are entirely without spoken words. Shaffer was playing amusing games, giving us treats and shocks along the way and creating credible if bizarre characters. Adam Speer's direction makes the play a delight finding the humour and keeping it moving at speed so we don't have too much time to think about the implausibility of it all! The meed is greatly helped by Simon Scullion's designs, Henry Pulling's lighting and most notably a Hitchcockian soundtrack.

The play opens with Bartholomew (Les Dennis) and his mistress Millie (Lisa Kay) enjoying some quiet time while his wife, Elizabeth (Caroline Langrishe), is away. This quickly descends into a murder and dismemberment interrupted by archytypally slow-witted local Sergeant Stenning (George Potts). But is this just a further part of the twist? Who is playing games with who and where will it all end. Just sit back and enjoy, its the only way with this sort of plot.

I was actually suprised at just how creepy Mr Dennis can be, a really conjvincing performance with excellent counterpoint from Ms Kay.

Ok so you have to trek south of the River but believe me this is worth it. Go early, have a lovely meal at the Menier's restaurants and make a night of it.

Robert Iles