Theatre Royal Bath until Saturday 5 October
Words by Maria Robinson
Have you ever been in a marriage that sucked so bad you had a dinner party and made a Cluedo knock off just to call your husband a drunk loser? As well as air out complaints about his friend/ shady business partner?
Imagine that but then this ex-cop shows up as your friend’s plus one. Plus the shady business partner brought his much younger girlfriend, who keeps trying to explain how Instagram works. Then, a dead body is found in your en-suite, whatever shall you do?
Rebus: A Game Called Malice, plays out like a typical crime novel, a train ride read put to stage. Rebus himself, an ex-copper who himself is the titular character from the Inspector Rebus book series. With plays, a prequel television series and short stories starring this long working Scottish detective, Rebus has seen it all. This play fits neatly into that franchise.The set up, cast of characters, each with their own secrets, and the setting, a manor house in Edinburgh, will feel familiar to those acquainted with the genre.
(Photo credit: Nobby Clark)
The performances were what really carried the show. Harriet (Teresa Banham), a nervous and sympathetic wife to nervy and on edge Paul(Neil McKinven), both left the audience concerned for the state of their marriage. Jack (Billy Hartman), the shady casino owner spends much of his time on stage looking like he should be wearing a top hat and carrying a pipe. Jade Kennedy’s performance as Candida Jones was the standout. Despite, or maybe because of, her job as a social media influencer, she was upfront about pretty much her entire being. Candid Candida was given some of the best lines as well. Gray O’Brien as Rebus is full of dry humour and has no issue in bringing up other party member’s touchy pasts. His moments of sensitivity come when interacting with ex-flame and well established lawyer Abigail (Stephanie Jefferies). He takes full control of the show in the second half, commanding not only the other characters’ attention but the audience as well.
Though, the crime is wrapped up neatly by the end, with no loose threads for our characters to pull apart with slightly too long monologues. After Rebus shuts the door on the ornately furnished dining room ( beautifully designed by Terry Parsons) the audience is left to sit and think, “huh”. The show is not interested in delving deep on thought provoking themes, though it quickly touches on mainly ideas of relationships between colleagues, clients and reputation in the legal system. Rebus is doing exactly what it says on the tin.
Sir Ian Rankin’s writing shows his experience and expertise in the field of murder mysteries, with enough additional information and reveals coming in to keep you guessing. Those who are fans of a whodunit will be gripped by this single-room drama.
Featured image: Gray O’Brien as Inspector John Rebus in Rebus: A Game Called Malice
(Photo credit: Nobby Clark)