The Edge of Darkness

Well, in this production of The Edge of Darkness, the clue is definitely in the title…!

Author Brian Clemens is probably best known for his TV screenwriting for The Avengers and The Professionals, but this psychological thriller written in 1975 also does him great justice, with many twists and turns in the plot, culminating in an unexpected and horrific climax no-one was expecting!

Our friends at Tynemouth Priory Theatre pulled off another successful production under the directorship of James Elliott, a newcomer to Priory and his debut in this position. Well done, James! A difficult play to ‘cut your teeth on’ but nicely completed.

The play is set in Victorian England in a grand house in the countryside, and the story revolves around a young lady in her mid-twenties called Emma (Victoria Hemsley), whose caring parents Max (Dave Cooper) and Laura (Corinne Philpott) own the house. They are looked after by a rather dim but comedic housemaid Penny (Lauren Thompson) and newly employed manservant Hardy (Laurence Hill).

After her disappearance three years ago, we find that Emma’s memory is damaged; there is much she does not remember, recognised, or understand. Why does she appear familiar with certain Russian phrases; why has she such a horror of a harmless silver bell, of a portrait on the wall, of knives? Is she, in fact, Emma Cranwell? Behind these questions, and after the visit of stranger Livago (Adam Swalwell) in Act 2, looms a menacing mystery which finally erupts into violence and horror. No further spoilers from this reviewer.

The beautifully sumptuous set, consisting of a Victorian style, oak panelled drawing room was well up to usual high Priory standard. With gas lights and period props in abundance. Congratulations Lesley-Ann Crawford, Dave Moy, Andy and Thomas Gilmore, Rachel Prior and the rest of the crew.

Equally striking period costumes by Judith Bell, Ann Leake, Jess Watson, and Anne Hogg added to the atmosphere, which was enhanced by lighting and sound design by Mathew Hall and James Elliott.

The cast all acquitted themselves exceptionally well in a very wordy and difficult play, only slightly tarnished by several prompts: perhaps attributable to first-night nerves.

Congratulations to James, Hayley, and the whole team at Priory for a thrilling and hugely entertaining evening.

Thanks for the invite and greeting. We look forward to your next production – 'The Mirror Crack’d' in November.

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.