Mesmerizing thriller at Kenilworth stage

The plot begins as ‘The Great Gordo’, an alcoholic stage hypnotist in the twilight of his career, randomly chooses policeman Alan Briggs as his next stooge. Briggs is a good sport, the audience laughs, and everyone goes home.

But it turns out that someone out there has some extraordinary ideas about the evening. The mind games begin, the stakes are raised, and there can only be one winner. But who?

Featuring just three actors the play is directed by Phil Quinn, who says he took on the play for the ingenuity of its plot, the wit of its language and the appeal of the thriller as a piece of stage-craft.

He said: “This will be a cracking night out, taking the audience on a roller-coaster journey of deception and intrigue.”

John Francis, the theatre’s publicity manager added: “The twists and turns in this sort of play are a particular challenge to actors and I’m delighted that Phil has put a great team on stage who, even in rehearsal, are delivering performances to match each turn of the plot’s wheel.”

Graham Underhill, cast as the hypnotist, has been kept busy practising both his prestidigitation and mind-control. The set, designed by June Malcolm, has had to not only support the performances - but a number of stage tricks too.

Performances are at 7.30pm each evening. Tickets cost between £7 and £8.50. For tickets, call 856548.