The Case of the Frightened Lady at the Theatre Royal Brighton Review

Reviewed by Sasha Nye

The Theatre Royal in Brighton is probably one of my favourite theatres to go to. I love how traditional it is, the ambience, the decor. Even with its traditional appearance it fits in really well in the unique and Diverse Brighton. It really puts you in the right mood for whatever show you are going to see. The staff are always very polite, friendly, extremely well presented and on hand to help with any query that you may have. A bonus is that it’s minutes walk from car parks and local transport.

The case of the Frightened Lady was originally penned by the great Edgar Wallace. Edgar Wallace was one of the 1920’s biggest crime novelists, rivalling Agatha Christie as a writer of thrillers and mysteries.

In his lifetime he put his hand to screen plays, poetry, 957 short stories and over 170 novels. More than 160 films were made from his works including King Kong.

This period drama is a thriller that revolves around the wealthy Lebanon family who live at Mark’s Priory, with the main stage setting being the great ancestral hall.

You were quickly introduced to the cast at the annual family fancy dress party where shortly after the poor chauffeur Mr Studd was the first character to meet a gruesome end.

That is where the intrigue and mystery began and the question of ‘Who done it?’ started to whirl around the audience’s heads. Leaving us to decide which of the many characters were guilty. Was it Lord or Lady Lebanon (Ben Nealon / Deborah Grant), Dr Amersham (Denis Lill) or one of the many members of the household staff.

Luckily, we had Chief Superintendent Tanner (Gray O’Brien) and Detective Sergeant Totti (Oliver Phelps) leading the way to find the answers.

The star studded cast were amazing with many familiar faces gracing the stage from Gray O’Brien (Casualty / Coronation Street), Denis Lill (Only Fools and Horses) and Ben Nealon (Soldier, Soldier) to name but a few.

The only thing that I found a little difficult at times was how busy the set was, with characters coming in one side and quickly exiting another. I felt a little dizzy at times.

I was possibly also the youngest member of the audience, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The acting was superb which kept the audience engaged throughout.

A great opportunity to see some incredible acting, an edge of your seat thriller that will keep you guessing until the end. I thoroughly recommend you go and see it for yourself.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £14.90 to £42.40 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).

The Case of the Frightened Lady is at the Theatre Royalin Brighton from 25-30 June 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/brighton or call the box office on 0844 871 7650.

Theatre Royal, New Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1SD | 0844 871 7650