Murder With Love

UK National Tour

Reviewed at Darlington Civic Theatre

Murder With Love centres around the lives of David Ryder, a successful lawyer, and Larry Campbell, the man who stole his wife and child and who was responsible for their subsequent deaths.

Consumed by hate and a desire for revenge, Ryder sets out to kill Campbell. So, when Campbell is found dead in his flat the following day, suspicion immediately falls upon Ryder.

The first act of Francis Durbridge’s thriller focuses on introducing the audience to each of the nine characters, before establishing how they each relate to one another. In doing so, I found myself struggling to keep up with what was happening and why.

Nevertheless, my concentration was rewarded when the pace slowed down and I seemed to have grasped the plot.

There are some fine performances in this production. Neil Stacy is well-used to playing rather stuffy, upper-class professional men and he suits the role of Ryder perfectly. Louise Faulkner competently plays a Sunday newspaper columnist, Jacqueline Roberts is wonderful as a vampy television star and Mark Booth excels as slimy blackmailer, Rudd. Supporting roles are played well by Marcus Hutton, Katie Evans, David Callister and Edward Thorpe.

Unfortunately, the ‘star’ performer didn’t really shine that brightly for me. Leslie Grantham, as the working-class detective, Cleaver, seemed to give a lack-lustre performance that was devoid of conviction.

However, the plot soon draws you in as deceit, incrimination and blackmail are woven into a web of crime that has you perched on the edge of your seat. When the final twist is revealed, it takes you completely by surprise.

The action takes place in only two different locations: David Ryder’s study and Larry Campbell’s front room. The split set, designed by Alan Miller-Bunford, is used to good effect as the lighting alternates between the two locations, depending upon where events are unfolding. Simple but very clever, too.

Ian Dickens’ productions are synonymous with the highest standards and Murder With Love is no exception.

Steve Burbridge.

TOUR DATES

24-28 February 2009                          Darlington Civic Theatre

16-21 March 2009                              Theatre Royal, Windsor

6-11 April 2009                                   Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford

15-18 April 2009                                 Wyvern Theatre, Swindon

22-25 April 2009                                 The Millennium Forum, Derry