Reviewed by Gina Lilley
The Classic Thriller Theatre Company gave us an evening of whodunnit at Milton Keynes Theatre last night. The Case of the Frightened Lady was written by Edgar Wallace. Wallace was said to be the second biggest seller after the Bible in his time and he was also credited with inventing the modern thriller novel.
With a cast of faces that will be known to many, the scene is set in Marks Priory, seat of the Lebanon family. The date is 1932 and the stately coats of arms on the brick walls and large column supported arched doorways remain the focus throughout the two acts.
The most wonderful upper-class accent from Deborah Grant as Lady Lebanon, coupled with the swagger of a woman of breeding was great to watch. The stories of the characters in the Priory house became clear as the first act unfolded and Kelver, played by Philip Lowrie, was staunchly correct and Gilder (Glenn Carter) and Brook (Callum Coates) say little, but make a great impact.
As the play unfolded, the very believable Chief Superintendent Tanner (Gray O’Brien) and his Detective Sergeant Totti (Oliver Phelps) meandered their way amongst the other characters helping offer the audience possible outcomes. There were some very funny moments which repeatedly raised a chuckle from the packed auditorium.
Although the scenery was set and didn’t change at all, there were plenty of costume changes which kept the pictures created by the characters alive and fresh. I was aware that many in the audience said they had to listen very carefully to ensure they kept with the back stories of characters as things unfolded, so it is a wordy piece. That said, this was in traditional style I suppose you could say, a play with blind alleys as well as the far too obvious, so it really was worth listening carefully too.
The Classic Thriller Theatre company which is the next chapter on from the hugely successful The Agatha Christie Theatre Company; gave us a gently thrilling night of entertainment, the best of its day and portrayed with honesty by the players.
It is difficult to talk about the play for fear of giving anything away, however, suffice to say, I didn’t guess it along with many in the audience. We all left having had a good evening of stately entertainment and more than one big surprise!
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £14.40 to £43.90 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
The Case of The Frightened Lady is at Milton Keynes Theatre from 21-26 May 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes or call the box office on 0844 8717652.
Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK9 3NZ
