Review - Deathtrap - People's Theatre

Deathtrap 

People's Theatre

17th January 2023

Written by Ira Levin

Directed by Mark Buckley

Cast:     

Sidney Bruhl - Bill Harrington

Myra Bruhl - Elizabeth Hack

Clifford Anderson - Adam Cummins

Helga Ten Dorp - Helga McNeil

Porter Milgrim - Michael White 

Deathtrap is a taut psychological thriller, with a sprinkling of dark humour. Sidney Bruhl is a washed up playwright. His glory days are in the past and he has written nothing of worth for over 18 years.  Reduced to running seminars for up and coming new writers to make some money, he discovers a potential goldmine in one of the students. Perhaps he could dispose of the student and steal his play? He wouldn't do that though, would he? His wife Myra has misgivings. And she is right to be worried. 

Not exactly a murder mystery because, rather like an episode of Columbo, you know who done it - you see it happen. And you think you know why - after all Sidney Bruhl has outlined his plot perfectly. Except, this play is full of twists and turns and has an entire net of red herrings. A murder is committed before our very eyes, but all is most certainly not as it seems. And that is as much as I can say about the plot, without giving everything away and spoiling the suspense. Envy and pride, and money and fame and reputation all play a part, and one person possibly doesn't deserve their fate. But who knows? Just when you think you know what's happening, it changes direction. 

The performances are brilliant - each character absolutely convincing. Under Mark Buckley's direction the suspense builds and eases, only to build again as twist after twist is revealed. The audience is constantly surprised by the way the plot shifts. The set is lavish, with great attention to detail and the sound and lighting crew recreate a thunderous storm for the climax of the play. 

An excellent start to the Spring Season at People's Theatre. Playing until Saturday 21st January, buy a ticket, but take care not to get caught in the Deathtrap! 

Photo credit: Jess Chapman

Denise Sparrowhawk