Killing Time

Reviewed at Darlington Civic Theatre

The second production of the 10^th Anniversary Summer Repertory Season at Darlington Civic Theatre is an intense and gripping thriller starring, once again, Hannah Waterman and Huw Higginson.

A chance meeting in a supermarket seems to bring Jane and Rick together and the two strangers discover at Rick’s house that they share mutual interests. However, as the dark truth begins to emerge, we see that nothing is, in fact, a coincidence and that they share a number of deadly secrets and a common enemy. There can be no turning back until the entire story is brought to its own ruthless and chilling conclusion.

Huw Higginson and Hannah Waterman deliver another pair of perfect performances. Richard Stockwell’s psychological thriller is about as different as you can get from Charles Dyer’s sex-comedy, and the two actors seem to relish the challenge that accompanies the contrast.

Higginson’s Rick is all laid-back charm and cocky arrogance, whilst Waterman’s Jane is a feisty power-dresser with killer heels and a ballsy attitude. The connection between the actors is fantastic and, once more, they portray two carefully crafted, three-dimensional characters. The fatal attraction between Rick and Jane is brought beautifully to life as, in turn, the balance of power alternates between the two characters.

The plot is sophisticatedly complex without being too confusing and the audience is kept guessing throughout the duration of the play.

The production values are wonderful, with a fabulous set and direction that never allows the pace to dip. In fact, Killing Time is a well-written thriller that avoids being clichéd and predictable and provides a great evening of murder, mystery and suspense.

Steve Burbridge.

‘Killing Time’ runs at Darlington Civic Theatre until Saturday 20^th June 2009.