Double Indemnity At Theatre Royal Nottingham Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Louise Edwards
This week at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham sees the stage adaptation of James M. Cain’s famous crime story Double Indemnity, on its national tour of the UK. The stage is simple yet evocative, and it felt like stepping into a world of classic film noir, full of shadows, suspicion, and moral grey areas. This stage adaptation manages to feel both timeless and surprisingly fresh, using the intimacy of live theatre to really draw you into the psychological tension at the heart of the story.
This production is adapted for the stage by Tom Holloway and directed by Oscar Toeman, and together they strike a careful balance between honouring the original material and making it work as a piece of modern theatre. Visually, the production is simple and stylish, with set and costume designer Ti Green using the space effectively. Lighting by Joshua Gadsby plays a key role in establishing mood, using shadow and contrast to reflect the moral darkness of the characters’ choices. The staging is relatively minimal, which keeps the focus firmly on performance and storytelling rather than spectacle. I loved the music and sound, which really creates drama and extra depth.
.
The script is sharp and tightly structured, allowing the story to unfold gradually while keeping the sense of unease simmering beneath the surface. There’s a deliberate pace to the production which suits the noir atmosphere, even if it occasionally feels slow, but it ultimately pays off as the tension builds.
Mischa Barton, making her UK stage debut, takes on the iconic role of Phyllis Nirdlinger. She brings a cool, controlled presence to the character, playing her less as an obvious villain and more as someone emotionally guarded and quietly manipulative. Opposite her, Ciarán Owens delivers a convincing performance as Walter Huff, the insurance salesman who is slowly drawn into Phyllis’s dangerous plan to kill her husband. Mr Nirolinger, played by Oliver Ryan and make a claim on the insurance that Owens has sold him. Owens captures the internal conflict of a man who knows what he is doing is wrong but is unable to resist temptation. Spurred on my desire and ambition their plan runs seamlessly and is believable.
The supporting cast add depth and texture to the production. Martin Marquez stands out as Keyes, Walter’s sharp-eyed colleague, bringing warmth and intelligence to a role that acts as the moral counterweight to the central plot. The wider ensemble, including Gillian Saker who plays several roles including Nettie, Owens sharp PA, Joseph Langdon playing several very distinct roles confidently and Sophia Roberts as Lola Norolinger.
Overall, Double Indemnity at the Theatre Royal Nottingham is an engaging and atmospheric piece of theatre. There were a few first night issues with the technology and a few fluffed lines but all handled very professionally. The show runs for 2 hours 20 minutes including interval and you will be gripped particularly in the second half when the script is fast paced and tense.
Rating: 3.5/5
Tickets cost from £21.50 (booking fees may apply).
Double Indemnity is at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham until Saturday 14 February 2026. For more information or to book tickets visit trch.co.uk or call the box office on 0115 989 5555.
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall, Theatre Square, Nottingham, NG1 5ND