Arsenic and Old Lace

I was almost not looking forward to attending this production, as it is one of my all-time favourite films. In addition to its being a film it was a Broadway play, so I was anticipating a different interpretation to my much-loved film. I needn’t have worried, as the Phoenix Theatre Company kept it very true to the version I know and love so well.

The set was absolutely amazing, with every door and window used as working entrances; the furniture was of the period and the props were the icing on the cake. Although the set remains the same throughout the play, this did not stop the additional props used emphasising every stage of the day. The costumes were fabulous, and the three lady’s outfits were gorgeous. The stairs leading to the upper landing were good. However, I did feel that if the door had opened the other way around it would have allowed it to be slammed better, thus giving more credence to Teddy’s battle cry.

Suzanne Hill and Jane Bovell, as sisters Abby and Martha Brewster, were brilliant and their accents strong throughout.  They portrayed in equal amounts, their innocence and eccentricity with great comic timing. The part of Mortimer Brewster was played by Tony Hearn and although I felt he wasn’t trying to be Cary Grant, he did use some of his mannerisms. His affection for his two elderly Aunts was nicely done and his interaction with his brother Jonathan and his girlfriend Elaine nicely paced and humorous.

Gareth Wragg was a very menacing Jonathan Brewster and his scary face worked very well. Les Davis as Teddy Brewster, the even more eccentric brother, was true to the original character and his use of the word ‘bully’ and ‘charge’ were very funny. Zoe Hutton, though not as mature as the original film version of Elaine Harper did well. Tim Betts was exceptional as Dr Einstein; he was so like Peter Lorre it was uncanny. Not only with his mannerisms but his voice; it was amazing.

There was great support from all the other cast members, the police officers in particular did very well; Tom Lee-Hynes, as Officer O’Hara, played this with the right amount of complete incompetence; it’s a lovely part.

Most of the cast had really good American accents, which they managed to maintain throughout the play which is not easy, so well done to you for the attention to detail. This was a well-directed production; the full use of the ‘stage’ and the fluidity of movement from everyone kept the audience’s attention focussed throughout.  This was another great production from Phoenix Theatre Company which I thoroughly enjoyed, thank you.

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