The Lady Vanishes

This was a very polished production of Ethel Lina White`s classic, which was made into a 1938 Hitchcock film.  The play, which was adapted by Derek Webb, was cleverly directed with much attention to detail,  both in style and format, and played to a  deservedly full house.

The activity took place on a well-constructed railway carriage set that fitted the period perfectly.  The cast all achieved excellent characterisations, and the whole production benefitted from most effective sound effects and slick lighting, which highlighted different locations without have to move furniture or props.

Emma Tocker-Booth, maintained her character and was outstanding as Iris Carr, ideal in the role, bewildered that no-one will admit to seeing a lady she has spoken to on the journey.   Miss Froy,  our disappearing lady, played by Suzi Illston, was suitably impressive giving a composed performance.   Helping our heroine to find the missing passenger, Simon Paget as Max Hare was a worthy hero, unsure at first, then helping to solve the mystery. 

David Hawley impressed as the Professor, who didn`t quite get it right,  with Mark Pardner and Sophie Paulden, as `the Todhunter`s`, perfectly portraying their illicit relationship. Good performances were by Julie Campbell and Laura Reeve playing the spinster Flood Porter sisters,  Paul Makinson,  an able Rev Barnes, and Claire Wade, excellent as his wife.  I liked her conversation with Iris, who couldn`t get a word in edgeways, very good timing from both.  John Freeman, as the menacing Doctor was great, and Andrea White was significant as the Baroness.

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