SLEUTH
July 1, 2008
Venue : Theatre Royal Newcastle
Date : June 30th 2008
Anthony Shaffers play SLEUTH appears to have stood the test of time, probably because it is in the very safe hands of Simon MacCorkindale and Michael Praed. But I fear in less competent hands it may seem more like an old pot-boiler that will fail to grab today’s more sophisticated audience.
The action takes place in the living room of Andrew Wkye (MacCorkindale), who is a successful writer. He has invited round Milo Tindle (Praed) for what at first appears to be a pleasant drink, until he reveals he is aware Tindle and his wife are having an affair and preparing to marry once their divorce come through.
From then on it is a deadly game of cat and mouse, with Wkye luring Tindle in to agreeing to fake a robbery and steal his wife’s jewellery. But, as usual with thrillers, all is not what it seems.
MacCorkindale (TV’s Falcon Crest and Harry Harper in Casualty) excels in the role of Wkye, one moment playing high comedy, the next he is just pure evil. His association with the role dates back to when he directed the play with both Douglas Fairbanks Junior and Howard Keel playing Wyke. While this tour is directed by Joe Harmston, it must helped having MacCorkindales’ knowledge and understanding of such a complex character as Wkye.
Tindale is brought to life by Michael Praed (TV’s Robin of Sherwood). The character at first appears to be just a foil for Wyke as he agrees to play along with the robbery, but soon the tables are turned and Tindle proves he is no push over.
Pread and MacCorkindale spark off each other allowing the story to move at a cracking pace. Having both men of a similar age also gave a fresh feel to the play as in previous productions and the film versions (starring Laurence Olivier and Michael Caine, then Caine and Jude Law in the remake ) Tindle has been a lot younger than Wyke.
A special mention must go to the backstage crew who have twenty minute to clear the set in the interval after the actors completely mess it up when trying to fake the robbery.
This is the final week of a long tour, yet both actors make SLEUTH appear both fresh and to enjoy keeping the stage thriller alive and kicking.
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