Reader Reviews
The Postman Always Rings Twice (Playhouse Theatre, West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | This is a play that has some serious defects, but which does have more redeeming features than flaws. The script is OK, although as I have not read James M Cain's novel it would be difficult to say more. Without doubt Andrew Rattenbury's adaptation does rattle along at a good pace. The quiet scenes with little dialogue have their own power, showing the solitude of a roadside diner between busy periods. Whilst Val Kilmer and Charlotte Emerson will get the praise they deserve, it is Joe Alessi who turns in the best performance. His ambitious Nick in Act 1 is complimented by a truly devious turn as Katz in Act 2. With good support from the rest of the company, the performance side is worth the ticket price. I suppose my major gripe is with the set. Whilst the main acting area of the Diner/courtroom is fine, the scenes on the top level are somewhat messy. In particular, the bathroom sits there for most of Act 1 and all it seems to do is obscure the sign behind it. The Car crash is handled well but leaving it onstage throughout Act 2 is annoying, especially when actors have to duck underneath it when moving on and off stage. It almost appears as if it is there because they can do it. - 194.200.154.253) | 26 Jul 05 |
| Never having seen either of the film versions of this story I didn't know what to expect with this play, and at the interval still wasn't sure. (See the WOS review for a brief synopsis). Events move far too quickly with Frank (Kilmer) and Cora (Emmerson) falling in love (and consumating their relationship) seemingly within minutes of meeting, and moving on to murderous thoughts almost straight afterwards. Ok, so Cora is in a dull marriage but surely she doesn't fall in love with every attractive man wandering into her diner? Emmerson's rather annoying whiney performance in the first half also makes one wonder what the attraction between the two characters is based on. But the second half really pulled me back in, bringing many more characters onto the stage and moving into courtroom drama made for much more entertainment and some great theatrical moments (I won't give away the plot here). There are some great tense scenes between Kilmer and Emmerson and some fight sequences that left me feeling quite uncomfortable from my seat right next to the stage. Although Kilmer seemed a little too laid back between his violent outbursts and Emmerson's monotone accent did grate, the production generated some moving scenes and tension, and Joseph Alessi was excellent as Cora's husband Nik (appearing again as a lawyer in the secont half). If you can suspend disbelief at the speed of the action in the first half, this makes for a great evening out - and is worth seeing if only for the exceptional set design. - 217.150.100.122) | 08 Jun 05 |
