Fine cast but short on horror (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Fine cast but short on horror

7:30pm Thursday 26th February 2009 in

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A CAST of first-rate actors capture the tragedy of a stricken couple getting over the loss of a child – but they fall short of delivering the horror at the heart of Daphne du Maurier’s Don’t Look Now.

Best known for its 1973 big screen adaptation, starring Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie, the play follows John and Laura, holidaying in Venice to help them get over the death of their daughter.

But things take a turn to the supernatural when they meet two elderly sisters, one of whom is blind and claims she can see their dead child – drawing conflicting reactions from her parents.

Events spiral when the same sister warns them to leave the city.

Tuesday’s opening night at The Haymarket was not helped by the fact that the theatre was only about half-full. There were few people in the first half-a-dozen rows back from the stage, and that made it harder for the cast to build the tension.

On the plus side, the lead actors are well cast. Peter Amory, as John, in particular flits convincingly between loving husband, sceptic, drunk and a man breaking down, and works well with emotionally volatile Nicola Bryant as Laura.

British film actress Shirley Anne Field does well as one of the sisters, whose role is more about her silence than her words, and the supporting cast is strong.

Gary Taylor is excellent as the chief of police, despite just a handful of lines.

Ian Dickens’ production is well put together, with a great set, and the music – although a little dated –helps to build tension. However, unfortunately this tension collapses at the dramatic climax.

Ultimately the play is perhaps an example of when film – with its greater scope for manipulating its viewers and building tension – works better than stage.

Don’t Look Now is running until Saturday, and tickets can be purchased at the Anvil Arts box office, on 01256 844244, or online at anvilarts.org.uk.

–Lucie Richards