REVIEW: Sleuth at Brighton

THE first performance of Sleuth was at Theatre Royal Brighton in 1970 and it seemed doomed from the start.

So-called king of London's West End Binky Beaumont was just one of the many producers to have already turned it down, telling playwright Anthony Shaffer it wouldn't last a fortnight.

And in the audience at Brighton was Sir Laurence Olivier, who made a disparaging comment about it I can't print on our family websites.

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But the rest of the spectators could see quality before them and gave the play a prolonged standing ovation.

The rest is history, with 2,359 performances in the West End, 2,000 on Broadway and two films '“ the first winning Olivier an Oscar nomination... I wonder if humble pie was ever eaten?

There might not have been such a prolonged ovation when Sleuth returned to the same stage on Monday night but the play proved it has stood the test of time.

In the hands of the well-formed team of Simon MacCorkindale and Michael Praed, the suspense was maintained as the web of intrigue opened up.

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Even a technical hitch with a gun failed to daunt them and left the audience wondering at first if it was part of the script.

Young man Milo Tindle arrives at the historic home of famous mystery novel writer Andrew Wyke to be drawn into a game where nothing is quite what it seems.

To say more would give away the clever plot for those yet to see it, so suffice it to say this is a thrilling look at jealousy and manipulation.

Simon MacCorkindale gives an assured performance, mixing well the humorous and devious aspects of his complex character.

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He is complemented perfectly by the charming Michael Praed, who plays his comic moments well and shows the other, revengeful, side of his nature.

Inspector Doppler could have been better, however.

Directed by Joe Harmston, MacCorkindale and Praed are obviously enjoying the show as much as the audience.

Sleuth finishes its run at the Theatre Royal on June 14. Tickets are 16 to 29 from the box office on 08700 606650 or the groups hotline on 08700 606617 or click here

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