Entering the busy theatre last night I was feeling a little cautious as the old Cary Grant movie version of this play was a childhood favourite of mine(strange I know). However, as soon as the curtain went up and we see the first Brewster aunty my fears disappeared and I knew we’d be in for a treat.
I haven’t actually heard as much laughter amongst the Theatre Royal audience before. From the most comical cadaver to witty one liners, it was almost a laugh a minute, right down to the curtain call; despite its dark murderous nature and rather non PC view of dealing with mental health!
It is all played out on one set, the Brewsters living room, this play unravels it delightfully. I won’t reveal the plot as if you don’t already know it but safe to say if you thought your family was crazy you certainly haven’t met the Brewsters!
The cast were picked perfectly, although no one could possibly be quite as dashing as Cary Grant, Richard Ede does an amazing job as Mortimer and the sisters are played just superbly by Susan Earnshaw & Karen Henson. Although it was Andrew Fettes with his Manuel-esque performance of Dr Einstein (no not that one, the other one), that stole the show for me.
If you want to see a rather scary nature faker, a string of secrets kept terribly and just general hilarity then catch Arsenic and Old Lace at Theatre Royal this week, tickets from £11 showing until Saturday 30th July.
The Classic Thriller season continues with House Guest, Father Brown and Mindgames, for more information see our article here or visit www.trch.co.uk to book tickets.
Review by Josie Opal
Photos by Simon Cooper
