Deathtrap
by Ira Levin
The Caxton Players
Caxton Theatre, Grimsby
22 - 29 April 2023
If the name Ira Levin sounds familiar as a writer, it should. He wrote A Kiss Before Dying, Rosemary's Baby, The Stepford Wives and The Boys From Brazil. He is what is best described as an industry heavyweight. This play, Deathtrap holds the record for the longest-running comedy thriller on Broadway and was turned into a successful film in 1982. This pedigree should be enough to convince any wavering potential audience member that this is a play worth "giving a go" if you have yet to hear of it. Debra West's production of the work more than lives up to the expectation with a solid cast that totally understand the assignment here.
This is a thriller, but it is a light-hearted COMEDY thriller and that makes all the difference. It contains so many twists and turns in the plot that my back was in need of physiotherapy after seeing the show, but I thoroughly enjoyed the latest offering from the Caxton Players.
The plot appears to be a simple one, set up in the first scene as award-winning playwright, Sidney Bruhl (played by Michael Mayne) is struggling to overcome a block in his writing, whilst at the same time enthusing over a brand-new script called "Deathtrap" submitted to him by an unknown writer who had studied under Bruhl at a seminar some time ago. The writer's wife, Myra (played by Debbie Shepherd) worries that he is taking a throwaway comment about stealing the idea too seriously when he invites young Clifford Anderson (played by Thomas Finch) to visit to discuss how to improve the work.
The play takes place in a single location, a study in a converted barn in the countryside adorned with weapons of murder and accompanying posters celebrating Bruhl's past triumphs. It is a fantastic set and looks great with it's flagstone chimney breast and exit with stairs to a level we never get to see. It is the perfect setting for a thriller and follows Chekov's edict of never showing a gun in Act One (if you know, you know). When a storm hits in Act Two, we really feel the danger as the power goes out and irregular lightning illuminates the silhouettes of the principals on stage at the time.
This production is a testament to good casting with no weak links among the performers. Michael Mayne provides a superb, jaded writer who is willing to go the extra mile in order to sustain his floundering career. As always, his training and former career as a professional actor are evident and he provides a monumental figure at the centre of the play. There is almost something of a James Robertson Justice in his performance here. Debbie Shepherd is a terrific support to her on-stage husband as the slightly nervy, suspicious, possibly even neurotic wife. She succeeds in bring a palpable nervous energy to her performance throughout. Returning to the Caxton stage after many years away, Thomas Finch is another actor whose professional training is evident. The subtlety with which his character is presented is worthy of comparison to Christopher Reeve (who played the role on film) in his performance as Clark Kent in the Superman films. The way his character switches throughout in tiny ways from "eager to please puppy" onwards is tremendous.
Even the two "supporting" performers, Marie Barker and Terry Faulkner (playing Helga ten Dorp and Porter Milgram respectively) bring a class and an air of professionalism to the stage worthy of greater exposure. Barker in particular, absolutely relishes the role of slightly dotty psychic detective ten Dorp and succeeds in stealing the scene repeatedly with her crazed, wide-eyed rating as she is overcome through her extra-sensory perception. Faulkner as the lawyer Milgram brings confidence and class to the role. With clear-cut diction and poise, he is every inch the lawyer you would want working for you rather than against you.
Audiences will be delighted by this play with it's compelling cast and twists and turns within the plot. The pacing and staging are excellent throughout. Who Who knows where it will all end? Get yourselves along to the Caxton Theatre between the 22 - 29 April. Tickets available through all the usual outlets and on the door.
Andy Evans 22 April 2023