The Business of Murder 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 sees the last play in the run from Tabs Productions as part of the annual Colin McIntyre Classic Thriller Season for 2025 at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal.

The Business Of Murder, written by award winning scriptwriter Richard Harris and directed by Tabs’ own Karen Henson takes us back to the 1980s.

As the play begins, we wonder where it is going, and the tension keeps the audience gripped as they take in every word to see if there are any clues. Harris cleverly drip feeds the plot slowly so the audience is left wondering which direction it is going in.

With a slightly claustrophobic feeling all of the drama is set in the first floor flat in a London suburb. Set design by Conal Walsh and costume by Geoff Gilder is appropriate for the nostalgia and time period with various shades of orange and brown..

The ordinary looking, somewhat creepy, Stone, played by David Gilbrook has lured Inspector Hallett played by John Goodrum there under the guise of being an informant on police work. We learn that Hallett has a wife and no children. Hallett leaves and Stone says he will call him later when his son returns.

Meanwhile the next visitor to arrive is Dee, played by Sarah Wynne Kordas. Credit goes to her as an actress as she has played a different part in each of the three plays in the season! Dee is a former journalist who has turned playwright and Stone has lured her there under the guise that his wife is a big fan and has written a script she wants Dee to read. Stone knows an awful lot about Dee, which she is pretty sure she hasn’t told him and she feels unnerved by the slightly stalkeresque way he even knows how she likes her vodka and tonic.

There is no sign of his wife and eventually Stone says he needs to go and get her medication from the car as she is feeling unwell leaving Dee alone in the flat. She tries to make her exit but who should turn up but Hallett returns to see Stone. It turns out they know each other very well and are having an illicit affair so what on earth is Stone playing at!? Intrigue continues when we learn there is no wife and the pair have to work out what Stone wants from them.

The drama slowly unfolds with the audience captivated as double crossing, murder, set ups, and methodical and chilling planning is revealed all in the “Business of Murder”. There is humour mixed in and the nods to the 1980s with the fashion and C&A references. The cast works well together in this intense power struggle of mind games and thrilling set ups.

Another standout show, so different to the previous two but no less gripping in itself as the audience puts the pieces together slowly. Such a refreshing part of the theatre calendar to offer Nottingham’s theatre goers – clever and captivating!

Rating: 4/5

Tickets cost from £19.50 (booking fees may apply).

The Business of Murder is at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham until Saturday 30 August. 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