Veronica’s Room 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
The Colin McIntyre Classic Thriller Season makes it annual visit to Nottingham’s Theatre Royal for Summer 2024. This season has a very loyal following of thriller fans and is much looked forward to after performing nearly 180 different productions over the years.
This week, the psychological thriller play Veronica’s Room is being performed. It was written by Ira Levin, author of Rosemary’s Baby and Death Trap, amongst others. Stephen King has described him as one of the finest suspense writers of the 20th century.
Less well known than some of Levin’s other productions, Veronica’s Room shares his same knack of blending suspense with horror. Set in Boston, USA in 1973, the stage is set as a bedroom, with the furniture covered with dustcloths to preserve it. We are introduced to the McKays, played by Susan Earnshaw and Jeremy Lloyd Thomas, who say they are carers for Sissy, the owner of the Brabisant mansion where they live. The room belonged to Veronica, who died of TB when she was younger.
After seeing them in a restaurant, the couple lure a young woman, Susan, played by Hannah Blalkie and her boyfriend, Lance, played by David Osmond (who incidentally are married in real life). They were struck by how much Susan looks like Veronica and they ask her if she would help them out by pretending to be Veronica to placate Sissy, who is dying from cancer and thinks that she has done something to upset her.
The couple are a bit hesitant to get involved but the McKays convince them and as Lance is led downstairs to watch sports on TV, Susan gets changed into a dress that belonged to Veronica. Mrs McKay goes to fetch Sissy, locking Susan in and then events take a very dramatic and disturbing twist.
Directed by Karen Henson and with stage design by John Goodrum (also both actors in the theatre company) the acting is incredible and captures the suspense and intrigue to keep the audience rapt. The lighting is managed by Michael Donoghue and Sound (designed by another Tabs actor), David Gilbrook all work well together to create an awesome piece of theatre that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The production does have a trigger warning as adult themes are involved in the content and it is suitable for those over 15. It is indeed very chilling and intense and leaves a lasting impression of the psychological manipulation that has been played out by the characters, as you question their motivations and the deeper meaning. It runs for around two hours including a 20 minute interval. Don’t miss it!
Rating: 4.5/5
Tickets start at £18.50. On Stage 21-24 August 2024, for more information or to book tickets visit https://trch.co.uk/whats-on/classic-thriller-season-veronicas-room/or call the box office on 0115 989 5555
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall, Theatre Square, Nottingham, NG1 5ND