Review: Deathtrap at Robin Hood Theatre, Averham

There are twists and thrills galore in the latest offering by Robin Hood Theatre Company — Ira Levin’s thriller Deathtrap.

The production, which runs until Saturday at Averham, offers the perfect balance of humour and drama to keep the audience entertained from start to finish.

Deathtrap is the story of successful playwright Sidney Bruhl who, after a string of flops, is struggling to regain his former glory.

When budding playwright Clifford Anderson sends him a manuscript of a thriller that is certainly going to be a smash hit, Sidney and his wife, Myra, start to plot the perfect murder - or do they.

With so many unexpected twists and turns it is unfair to say more.

Sidney and Clifford are played with just the right level of drama and comedy by Andrew Beighton and Nathan Jones respectively.

Sally Williams proves a real scene-stealer as eccentric Dutch psychic Helga Ten Dorp who has a habit of working out exactly what was going on.

Completing the cast are Rebecca Smith (Myra) and Ian Colinson (Porter Milgrim).

Praise is also needed for the set, designed by Yvonne Cockayne. Although all the action takes place in one room, the set was eye-catching.

Directed by Dawn Stubbs, Deathtrap keeps the audience on their toes right to the very end.

One not to be missed. - SH