REVIEW: Rebus: A Game Called Malice at New Theatre
The latest case for Ian Rankin's DI John Rebus finds the now-retired Edinburgh detective invited to a posh dinner party, as his 'friend without benefits' Stephanie's plus-one,
It's the perfect set-up for a murder mystery - and that's exactly what we get in Rebus: A Game Called Malice, a new play, which opened at the New Theatre last night (Monday 7 October).
The party is in a grand house in Edinburgh's elegant New Town - a house so grand that its dining room (where the entire action takes place) is like an art gallery, its walls adorned with valuable old paintings.
But, despite the surroundings, this gathering is very informal, and our hostess, Harriet (Teresa Banham) has created a whodunnit murder-mystery game for her guests to play, while they wash down their meal with expensive booze, provided by corduroy-wearing [how informal can you get in New Town?!) husband Paul (Neil McKinven).
As they discuss the puzzle, the guests uncover some real-life secrets about each other. As well as Stephanie and Paul, there's dodgy casino owner Jack (Billy Hartman), his much younger companion, the social media influencer, Candida (Jade Kennedy), lawyer Stephanie (Abigail Thaw) and Rebus himself (Gray O'Brien).
Rebus isn't one for games, or for parties probably, but he can 'read a room', and he's soon uncovering some clues to the past that others may want to keep hidden.
It's all uncomfortable fun, until - just before the interval - a real body is discovered in the house, and a real investigation begins: Who is the victim? Who is the killer? And why?
This is a fast-paced crime thriller, which entertains and intrigues. And it hits you with one of the biggest twists a murder mystery could ever deliver.
The script by Ian Rankin and Simon Reade is tightly written - the play only runs to an hour and 45 minutes including the interval - and smartly directed by Loveday Ingram. It's a rare occasion when I felt a play could benefit from being a bit longer!
The characters are interesting in their own right and far from the usual cliches. In fact, they interested me so much, I wanted to know more of their backstory - a credit not just to the writers and director, but to the talented cast.
The set design is excellent, and overall this is a thoroughly enjoyable play - a delight for any fan of murder mysteries.
Rebus: A Game Called Malice is in Cardiff until Saturday (12 October). You can book tickets through the box office on 0343 310 0041 or by clicking here.
Review by Andy Weltch
Photo by Nobby Clark
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