Sleuth - Richmond Theatre (Review)
Review by David Munro
IT’S 38 years since the first performance of Sleuth at the St Martins Theatre, since when it has been revived on several occasions and filmed twice.
Does it really warrant another production? Logically, the answer is “no”. It’s a dated tale of revenge and retribution set in a stereotyped country house, albeit with some quirky fixtures and fittings, and is very much part of the Agatha Christie never-never land of the last century.
However, this production proves there is still life in the old dog yet, particularly when its protagonists are as skilful and energetic as Simon MacCorkindale and Michael Praed, who very sensibly play it as straight as is possible and never for one moment allow the audience to question the reality or otherwise of the outrageous twists and turns of the plot.
Sleuth is a difficult play to review as if one delves too deeply into the performances and their nuances one is in danger of giving away too much of the plot and so spoiling the author’s ingenious surprises.
You will have to accept it from me, therefore, that this is a very well acted and directed production. It moves at a terrific pace never allowing you to question what is occurring on stage and forcing the suspension of belief that is essential for its enjoyment.
It’s not a play for those worshipping at the shrine of the divine Davids – Hare and Mamet – social or other significance is not to be found here; but for two hours ridiculously enjoyable theatre it is to be commended. In other words, leave your brains at home and sit back and enjoy the panache of the acting and the plot.
Sleuth by Anthony Shaffer
Directed by Joe Harmiston.
Designer – Simon Scullion.
Lighting – Mark Howett.
Sound – Jonathan Suffolk.
Fight Director – Jo McLaren Clark.
CAST: Simon MacCorkindale; Michael Praed; Seamus Dobony; James Forge; Mathew Knott; Steven Lello.
Presented by Bill Kenwright
Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 IQJ.
Mon, April 28 – Sat, May 3, 2008.
Evenings: 7.45pm/Matinees Wed. & Sat: 2.30pm
Box Office: 0870 060 6651