REVIEW | Love From A Stranger, Theatre Royal Nottingham

★ ★ ★ ★

Reviewer - Natasha

*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review

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Nottingham Theatre Royal’s Classic Thriller Season launched its 35th year tonight with the delightful Love From a Stranger. Based on an Agatha Christie short story, the play is a compelling blend of witty comedy and slow–burning murder mystery. Its fascinating study of human relationships feels startlingly relevant today, despite its 1930s period setting.

Revolving around a radiant and accomplished Lara Lemon as bride-to-be Cecily Harrington, the play focuses as much on the interactions between its characters as it does on the identity of the murderer. There are so many funny moments and perfectly delivered one-liners, particularly from Susan Earnshaw (Louise), Juliette Strobel (Ethel) and Sarah Wynne Kordas (Hodgson), who bring a wonderful range and depth to their roles. Despite an unevenness of mood and pacing between the first and second acts, the momentum doesn’t let up. The audience are kept waiting until the final revelatory scene to see if their hunches are correct. (The parallel psychological unravelling of David Osmond’s Bruce Lovell is extremely effective.)

This version of Love From a Stranger is a beautifully understated thriller, relying on artifice and what is hidden and not said, rather than displays of gore or revelations of depravity. The period sets are well-designed, and the costuming conveys a bygone era where hats, gloves and good manners obscured the inner feelings of everyone, not only murderers. (Some of the company’s members are both cast and creatives, contributing to design and working backstage.) The use of blackout between scenes helps to sustain an underlying tension. I felt that more music from the era would have further enhanced the setting, but the lack of it did not detract from a good night out at the theatre.

It’s difficult to say more about the play without divulging spoilers. But if you’re looking for a night of escapist entertainment with witty dialogue, strong performances and an undercurrent of murderous intent, this show is for you. If not, as with previous seasons, there is a diverse selection of Classic Thrillers to choose from at Nottingham Theatre Royal this month.

Following further performances of Love From a Stranger (2-5 August) this talented company will then take part in Father Brown - A Crime at Christmas, the next show in the Classic Thriller season (8-12 August). Murderous Liaisons (15-19 August) and Alan Ayckbourn’s Snake in the Grass (22-26 August) complete the set. Discounted tickets are still available if you book for all four plays. Further information can be found here.