Theatre

Mindgame at the Theatre Royal Nottingham Review

11-15 June 2019

Reviewed by Nigel Chester

On the grimmest of June evenings where the rain was being blown into our faces and the cold east wind cut with the precision of a surgeons scalpel we hurried across theatre square in Nottingham heading for the delightful Theatre Royal and its warm welcome, especially to be found in the aptly named Yarn bar. We left our wet outdoor apparel in the safe keeping of the cloakroom, for one pound, coming back to a warm dry coat felt a bargain.

We had decided at the last minute to see Anthony Horowitz’s Mindgame.

Horowitz is an accomplished author and playwright. You will have seen his work even if you’re unaware of its parentage, as creator of such mainstream hits as Foyle’s War, Injustice and New Blood, currently his younger readers are being catered for with an eight-part television adaptation of his spy novels Alex Rider. Horowitz was awarded an OBE in 2014 for his services to literature.

Therefore, we had high expectations of a psychological thriller about a serial killer, Eastman, part Hannibal Lecter part Lizzy Borden with a touch of The Wests for good measure.

The play was skilful and fast paced it was delivered by three consummate actors Michael Sherwin, Andrew Ryan and Angie Smith. The crux of the play was the dialogue; I am in awe as to how it is possible to learn two hours of fast paced conversation, I sometimes struggle to remember the coffee order in Costa.

The set was functional and wasn’t overly complex, Dr Farquhar’s office. It did however surprise and evolve along with the plot as with everything in this play it was more surprising than it would initially appear. If there were a psychiatrist for soft furnishing I would give Sarah Wynne Kordas, the designer, a call. Even her wallpaper had attitude. 

The story moved and so did our loyalties, nothing was as it seemed, it made you question your own moral compass. Apparently according to an article in the Daily Mail this week some 80% of us have thought about murder and it is perfectly healthy, as it allowed us to realise how revolting it would be in reality. The Daily Mail made an appearance as a stage prop and so did the concept of murder and the perfect crime.

We thoroughly enjoyed it. It was good bread and butter theatre. No gimmicks, just a good plot delivered by good actors. I think everyone involved should be proud to have been part of such a solid piece of theatre.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £13 to £27.50 (booking fees may apply).

Mindgame is at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham from 11-15 June 2019, for more information or to book tickets visit www.trch.co.uk or call the box office on 0115 989 5555.

Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall, Theatre Square, Nottingham, NG1 5ND

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