The Duke in Darkness at the Tabard Theatre Review
The Duke in Darkness
at The Tabard Theatre, London
16 April – 11 May 2013
Reviewed by Natalie Copson-Mayo
The Duke in Darkness is described as a psychological thriller. It was written by Patrick Hamilton and hasn't been on stage in London for over 60 years. Hamilton used to live in Chiswick making the Tabard Theatre the perfect venue for the play. It has been revised and adapted by Orlando Wells.
There are only 6 characters in the play which lasted around 110 minutes with about an 70 minute first act followed by a 40 minute second act. All the characters are male and the whole play is set in one room – a dungeon at the top of a castle in France during the civil wars. The 2 protagonists have been locked in there for 15 years and are starting to become mentally ill; one of them being the former Duke, the other, his servant. Their plot to escape helped by the current Duke's alliance ends in death for one of them and freedom for the other.
On approaching the theatre I felt it had lovely surroundings and was situated in a busy yet stunning area of Chiswick. As you reach the theatre, you can see what looks like a typical backstreet pub. The entrance to the theatre is on the right, up some stairs and then a walkway that lead to above the pub. The stairway and sign for the theatre are very well lit up which made it felt very welcoming. On arriving into the foyer area the staff were extremely helpful in showing us where to go. On entering the theatre, I was shocked to see how small it was. There were approximately 8 rows of seats with around 12 seats to a row. I wasn't sure if this would have a negative impact on the dynamic of the play; however the intimacy really helped to create a stronger link between the audience and the characters.
At times I felt like the story was being dragged out but on the whole it was an easy to follow, gripping storyline with twists and turns. Unlike many other plays it was tricky to predict the outcome.
The theatre may have been a little cramped but the seats were comfortable, it was a perfect temperature, sound and lighting was very well done and interval refreshments were varied at a reasonable price. I would definitely consider coming to this theatre again and will look out for future events.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £17/15
For more information or to book tickets visit www.tabardtheatre.co.uk
