Based on the original play by Anthony Shaffer, Sleuth is an amusing tale of old English wit, charisma and self-assurance. Centred around the age-old stereotypes that we English choose to ignore, the play offers something for everyone, but does so in a very simplistic fashion.

The story centres itself around a prosperous country gentleman called Andrew Wkye, played by Simon McCorkindale, who is a successful murder mystery author, is quite partial to a bit of tweed, and swills enough whisky to sink of a small ship.

On first observations the audience are made aware that he is very cock sure of himself and has a nasty habit talk about himself in the third person - to put it bluntly he is the typical English toff.

Andrew has an obsession with gamesmanship and is constantly looking to get one over on his Italian visitor, Milo Tindle, played by an elegant Michael Praed. At first the audience is presented with a contrast of characters, Andrew the middle-aged traditionalist and Milo the slick Italian stallion suited and booted and modelling enough Brylcreem to put David Beckham out of business. That is until we realise they are not too dissimilar at all. in that they are both concealing an ulterior motive and Milo is in fact having an affair with Andrews wife.

As part of his tangled web of deceit, Andrew has been plotting to invite his wife’s lover over, make him an offer he is unable to refuse, humiliating him in the process. Throughout the play Andrew is constantly cooking up new scams in order to win the game he has created in his minds eye, to which Milo has no idea whatsoever.

Suddenly shots are fired and Milo falls to the ground, along with the curtain, leaving an excited audience wondering if the game has taken a rather more sinister turn as they queue for the bar.

Despite being extremely creative in terms of plot and stage direction, the cast itis only made up of two male actors and the set remains the same throughout. Its ability to retain the audience’s attention throughout the performance is a credit to the director as he has undoubtedly chosen the best possible actors for the job.

I went to watch the performance with someone who hates the theatre and believes it to be too high brow. This however, had him glued all the way through, due to its use of innuendo and underhand comedy. It is certainly worth a look and is sure to have you rolling in the isles.

Sleuth plays at the Theatre Royal from 31 March to 5 April 2008.

 

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