Love Midlands Theatre

  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Contact

Wait Until Dark - Lichfield Garrick

12/10/2017

Comments

 
Picture
Wait Until Dark - Karina Jones, Jack Ellis. Photo: Manuel Harlan
Frederick Knott’s classic story of murder and deception has been revived on both sides of the Atlantic countless times since its Broadway premier in 1966.  Given further prominence in the 1967 film version starring Audrey Hepburn, Wait Until Dark has been a long-standing favourite for professional, amateur and repertory companies for over 50 years.  So, what is it that makes the story so continually appealing? Is it perhaps the notion that we are all, subconsciously, a little afraid of the dark and the things that we cannot see?
 
The story revolves around Suzy, a housewife in 1960s suburban London, who has quickly adapted to living without her sight after losing it in a car accident a few months earlier. She is visited by three conmen, each claiming to know details about her husband and his involvement in a crime that has taken place in the neighbourhood recently. As an audience we are rendered powerless as we watch the three men work their way into Suzy’s home and mind, deceiving her at every possible turn.
 
The Original Theatre Company’s current touring production really plays on this sense of helplessness for the audience, taking them on a gripping rollercoaster with plenty of nail-biting moments along the way. You do have to remind yourself to take a breath every now and again! From the very opening of the production the tension is palpable; and it is evident that this production has relied on great involvement across the whole theatre production company to create such an atmosphere.
 
From David Woodhead’s clever set design – inviting yet somehow unnerving with its slightly ajar doors and hidden corners – to the subtle but powerful sound effects of a gate closing, and a refrigerator humming (Giles Thomas – Sound Composition); everything combines to create a truly sinister undertone to the story. And when, during the climactic scenes the whole auditorium is plunged into total darkness (emergency exit lights included) and we are forced to experience the panic through our use of hearing only, the effect is quite simply spine-tingling.
 
Taking on the role of Suzy, Karina Jones is stunning. As the first registered blind actress to play the role in the play’s 50 year history there are huge discussions to be had as to why we do not represent disabled actors in disabled parts as a matter of course and Jones’ performance is a shining example for all those who might dispute the idea. Highly engaging, warm and vulnerable to start, Jones’ performance takes on a huge change as the play progresses and it is captivating to watch.
 
Jack Ellis (Mike), Graeme Brookes (Croker) and Tim Treloar (Roat) are a magnificent trio of conmen, each more sinister than the next, with Treloar in particular handling the demands of Roat’s quirky mannerisms and insanity well, without falling into the trap of being too absurd. For those who remember the TV series Bad Girls and Jack Ellis’ chilling portrayal of Warden Jim Fenner; his performance here as Mike is equally as unnerving – charming and benevolent, yet with a constant undercurrent of deception. Some (much-welcomed) light relief is given by Shannon Rewcroft as the 12 year old Gloria, who captures the tone of a moody pre-teenager brilliantly.
 
To say anymore would be to give away the twists and turns of the plot and ruin a fantastic production. It is rare to see a well-known, sometimes over-performed play reimagined with such creativity. If you can get along to the Lichfield Garrick Theatre or another of the tour venues to see this you will not be disappointed – just a little afraid of the dark!
 
Playing at Lichfield Garrick until Saturday.
Comments

    Love Midlands Theatre

    Sharing the latest theatre news and reviews around the Midlands.

    Picture
    Tweets by @midlandstheatre

    Subscribe to our mailing list

    * indicates required

    Archives

    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015

    Categories

    All
    Amateur Theatre
    Birmingham
    Coventry
    Love Midlands Theatre
    Professional
    Review
    Solihull
    Stafford
    Tamworth
    Theatre
    Wolverhampton

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly