Sleuth Perfect Escapism

Written a little over 50 years ago you may expect this dark psychological thriller full of twists, turns and dead ends to be old and stale, but it is as fresh and engaging as ever. A true mystery thriller about human nature full of conflict, resentment, and influence. More than your average whodunnit as it confuses and baffles even the most experienced sleuth and a real tour-de-force for the two main protagonists.

The plot revolves round Andrew Wyke, a famous mystery writer whose wife, Marguerite, has a penchant for taking lovers and a lavish lifestyle. Unfortunately, however none of her lovers can keep her in the lifestyle she has become accustomed with Andrew so, even though he would be happy to see her go, she will not leave him. Her new beau, Milo Tindle, is invited by Andrew to his country house. Knowing him to be poor Andrew offers Milo a considerable sum of money to take Marguerite off his hands. The plan is for Milo to play burglar and steal Marguerite’s jewels which Andrew will then claim on insurance, using his talent as a mystery writer to fool the police and insurance company. Milo gets Marguerite, Andrew stops paying her bills it’s a win-win. All goes well with the men enjoying playing out the plot until…. You wouldn’t want me to spoil the fun of trying to work it out for yourself.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest ever stage thrillers, Sleuth played for a total of 12 years in both London and New York, winning the Tony Award for Best Play. It also became the inspiration for two films, both starring Michael Cain, firstly as Milo against Laurence Olivier’s Wyke in 1972 and as then as Wyke to Jude Law’s Milo in 2007.

The leads in this production are Todd Boyce, Coronation Street’s notorious baddie Stephen Reid, playing the role of Andrew Wyke, and Neil McDermott of EastEnders. Boyce revels in the role of Wyke full of arrogance and impeccable timing as he cunningly draws Milo into his plans. Reid plays his role with energy and charisma full of daring and ambitious charm. As Milo gets drawn deeper into Wykes web of deception and intrigue the audience alternate between laughter and gasps as the plot winds its way through a labyrinthine tale.

A Bill Kenwright Ltd production directed by Rachel Kavanaugh with a deft touch and an obvious feeling for the piece, on a set designed by Julie Godfrey straight out of an escape room, with a minstrel gallery and mullioned windows and full of artefacts such as a Grandfather clock and an Egyptian sarcophagus all enhanced by Tim Oliver’s lighting plot.

As a two hander, for the most part, Boyce and Mc Dermott carry the play with energy and joy, revelling in the tricky and often wordy script as well as managing the physical side of the production masterfully. The build-up of tension is cleverly tempered with comedy all the while the audience are kept on the edge of their seats guessing the next step. As the curtain fell, I dare say many conversations were generated amongst the amateur sleuths in the audience on their journeys home.

Sleuth - Bradford Alhambra
until Saturday 16th March