Review: Strong acting in disturbing comedy thriller at the Talisman in Kenilworth

The stage is all cheap glitter and shadows.

On the bill tonight is the Great Gordo (Graham Underhill), once famous hypnotist, now reduced to playing in dingy halls to small audiences. Alan (John Francis) is his victim for the night, about to be turned into a monkey and a rabbit.

The show kicks off in true end of the pier style: only there are more illusions going on than are at first apparent. Alan is a crooked cop who has plans of his own - and they involve the Great Gordo’s tawdry powers and the credulity of Alan’s wife Helen (Kathy Crawshaw’s), all bound up in the perfect plot to steal £35 million from the bank where Helen is manager.

Trouble is, Helen isn’t so credulous as either Alan or Gordo think - and Gordo is not so desperate either.

In the process, we have crosses and double-crosses galore in this classic-style comedy thriller.

Beneath the byzantine plot, this is a three-handed thriller about jaded middle-aged illusions. It’s a clever take on mid-life crises. The characters are all stuck in their roles, wanting a way out, but unable to make it alone.

The small ensemble format demands some strong character acting and we are not disappointed. John Francis is creepy as the control-freak cop - outwardly bland and rather boring, but inwardly driven to dastardly deeds by dark forces beyond his control. Graham Underhill is all faded charm and deftly plays up to the farcical elements of the play. Kathy Crawshaw makes the switch from mousy housewife to sexy, sassy criminal with aplomb.

It’s all good fun, but with an edge that will disturb you while you laugh.

Nick Le Mesurier