Sleuth, Richmond Theatre Review

Written by Cathie for Theatre and Tonic.

Disclaimer: Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review. All views are my own.

This performance contains the use of haze, pyrotechnics, loud sound effects and strong language.

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Few things delight a theatrical audience more than murder. Sleuth a “thriller about thrillers” is one of the powerhouses of classic British thrillers. It won a Tony Award in its origin running and has had several film adaptations. Although not quite as infamous as The Mousetrap, it is a show that has shaped and inspired many more modern thrillers.

The set is a fading country manor house riddled with decaying items of grandeur and a ghoulish laughing puppet. Within its confines, we meet hairdresser Milo Tindle (Neil McDermott) and detective novelist Andrew Wyke (Todd Boyce). They are both involved romantically with Wyke’s wife and, without too many spoilers, a strange insurance heist, a burglary and a murderous game begin. Riddles are exchanged, insults are thrown and incriminating evidence is desperately searched for. 

The cast is a dynamic duo and the tension between them is palpable in the air. The show is rounded to just under 2 hours and within this time the twists come fast and sharp. You can clearly see the gleeful twisted nature of their cat and mouse game taking over until it consumes both in a terrible finality. Both are adept at bringing the zaniness of the storyline to life and paint it with convincing anger, confusion and fear. You’re never sure what will happen but the urgency cannot be understated. 

Although Rachel Kavanaugh’s direction is sharp and clever, this show doesn’t have quite the same scare thrill as its original 12 year west end runnings. However, it is still a highly engaging show to watch and an enjoyable night out. Some of the class political commentary and its approach towards women definitely showcase how this play is a snapshot in time. It’s so strongly set in 1970 that it’s an eerie relic of a different time. 

This is the last stop of this play’s tour. If you’re looking for an engaging play with plenty of twists and turns and a fun time at the theatre then I definitely recommend this show for you. 

At Richmond Theatre until 18 May 2024

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆