Touring – reviewed at Malvern Theatres
Take a classic thriller written by Sidney Gilliat and Frank Launder, the film version having been directed by Alfred Hitchcock, add a stellar cast and one of the most atmospheric sets I’ve seen in a long time – what do you get? A flawless production of The Lady Vanishes.
Although I was already familiar with the title of the production, initially I was unfamiliar with the story. Therefore watching the action and mystery unfold with no prior knowledge was a real treat. The scene and tone at the railway station are immediately set and there is an overriding feel of authority and fear as Hitler’s Germany reigns supreme. The characters are introduced gradually and they all have a tale to tell, while a few characters remain vague which helps to build the tension and suspense throughout. What’s evident from the outset is that clues are everywhere and dovetail perfectly when the conclusion is reached.
The story is paced to perfection by the strong ensemble, Juliet Mills shines as Miss Froy – the lady who seemingly vanishes aboard a train to England, Lorna Fitzgerald has the opportunity to demonstrate that she is capable of extraordinary stage craft. As Iris, the young woman who is hell bent on discovering what has happened to Miss Froy, she couldn’t have characterised better.
There is a chemistry and sublime partnership between Fitzgerald and Matt Barber as the unintentionally comedic Max. On stage Barber excels and every nuance of his performance is measured and deliberate – he certainly has hidden depths.
Maxwell Caulfield possesses an eerily unpleasant quality in the somewhat pivotal role of Dr Hartz, it is really easy to dislike him and suspect him. Robert Duncan and Ben Nealon often steal the show as cricketing enthusiasts and businessmen, Charters and Caldicott. Duncan’s comic timing had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion. Philip Lowrie plays the fairly benign Eric, apparently trying to run off with Margaret (Elizabeth Payne) yet making a dog’s dinner of their scandalous liaison. Lowrie and Payne made a watchable and believable couple – Lowrie’s years of experience on stage and screen are obvious and I was fascinated with Payne’s stage presence and superb diction.
Antony Lampard’s adaptation lends itself to the stage, brilliantly and Roy Marsden’s direction is on point as always, he’s one of my favourite directors. You’ll be sure to become an armchair sleuth as the story unfolds, chaos ensues and inevitable tragedy occurs too.
The Lady Vanishes stays at Malvern Theatres until Saturday 23rd March, book now: https://www.malvern-theatres.co.uk/whats-on/the-lady-vanishes/
