ROPE

An iconic play, exploring the premise that because they are intellectually superior, these two friends can commit the perfect murder of their fellow undergraduate.  The subsequent unravelling of the plot made for an interesting play, with a party for various interested parties, where refreshments are served on the top of the chest where the body is hidden.

This was a return to the traditional Rep production, no flash technicals or set, but on the whole everything worked well.  I felt the lighting at the start was a little too low, I realise a mood had to be set, but it was difficult to see the faces of the actors, which detracted from the tension for me.

Costumes suited the characters and the general feel of the piece, however Sir Johnson’s trilby did not fit…!

As always, the actors projected well, and created good characters, however I felt the pace needed upping a bit, there was an awful lot of time spent filling glasses, I could feel a bit of frustration from some of the audience, as it tended to break the tensions that had been building.  There were some amusing parts, which helped give the piece some diversity. The final scene was very well-played, finishing on a high.

The main protagonists were Wyndham Brandon (Sam Rowland) and Charles Granillo (Anthony Bird) – Sam has become an accomplished actor, he and Anthony created an interesting pair, showing the different ways they approached their ‘perfect’ murder.  Anthony created plenty of angst, whilst Sam was the force behind the plan.

Kenneth Raglan (Ryan English) and Leila Arden (Lauren Blower) were the bright young things, both new faces to me, although I know Lauren is part of the bigger Rep family, but they created a good pairing, with lively interpretation and an air of innocence.

Sir Johnson Kentley (Gary Beale) and Mrs Debenham (Carmel Byrne) as the father and aunt of the murdered man created the older establishment figures, a good contrast, showing their concern at their missing son/nephew.

Mrs Bellamy (Liz Blower) was a small but edgy part, I enjoyed the forceful delivery showing the undoubted position of the housekeeper within the relationships.

The final character was Rupert Cadell (Ben Dards), another new face to me, the one person who eventually pulled the pieces together and stumbled on the murder, perhaps a little to accepting of the situation, but a good believable portrayal.

All in all a good production.

Nova Horley

NODA Representative - NODA East District 3

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