Rebus A Game Called Malice At New Theatre Cardiff Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Lisa Warren

I went to see *Rebus: A Game Called Malice* last night at the New Theatre in Cardiff, and I have to admit, the first couple of minutes had me unsure. It opens quietly, and there was a brief moment where I thought, “Is this going to be a bit slow?” But once John Rebus started talking, I settled in, and the show found its rhythm.

Gray O’Brien played him with grizzled charm, his gritty, sarcastic tone that makes his character so iconic and with that world-weary detective energy we know and love from the books and previous TV adaptations. Admittedly this Rebus was portrayed as a less dark, troubled detective than we know, which I think lent itself well to the flow of this play. Hopefully if there are future productions this will be developed more true for those die hard Rebus fans.

The play began with the characters discussing a murder mystery around the dinner table, which the lady of the house had put together. Characters roles reminiscent of Cluedo and other whodunit plays and TV shows. This then develops into similarities with the characters in the murder mystery game and with those in the play, and then a “whodunit” occurs. This is when Rebus’ character jumps into his detective majesty and the play comes to life!

It was after the interval, when the cast really seemed to relax into their roles. The performance became less about “actors acting” and more about characters living out their drama. That said, while I enjoyed the storyline, I struggled to fully buy into the believability of some of the supporting cast.

The set design, which transported us into an opulent dining room of a country house, added a touch of realism to the otherwise static atmosphere. The room was beautifully dressed and the characters drink and eat real food on stage which did give you the feeling as if you were sneaking a glance into a very uncomfortable dinner party. It also helped punctuate the tension, making every sip of wine feel loaded with suspicion.

The storyline, while enjoyable and had some fun twists and turns and a few comic moments, didn’t quite reach the gripping tension I’ve come to expect from Rebus stories. This said in many detective tales the appeal is often less about the plot and more about the journey with its central character while the rest of the cast plays their part in creating the tension and atmosphere.

In summary, Rebus: A Game Called Malice is an enjoyable show once it gets going. It’s worth seeing, yes I am saying it again, for Rebus alone, though I wish the rest of the cast could have matched his depth. The show’s strengths lie in its atmosphere, its lead, and a solidly crafted mystery. Once you are past the first scenes and get to grips with the initial pacing, you’ll find yourself getting caught up in the intrigue. A good pick for a night out if you love a detective mystery with a bit of old-school charm.

Rating: 3/5

New Theatre, Cardiff
Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3LN

7 – 12 October
7.30pm and 2.30pm

£24 – £44
transaction fee of up to £3.95

Box Office: 0343 310 0041
https://trafalgartickets.com/new-theatre-cardiff/en-GB

https://trafalgartickets.com/new-theatre-cardiff/en-GB/event/play/rebus-a-game-called-malice-tickets

Running time: 1 hour 45 mins including 20 mins interval