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07:00 - 08-May-2008
And in Sleuth we were delivered both – ear-rattlingly so, in a play punctuated with pistol shots.
It begins simply enough with Andrew Wyke (Simon MacCorkindale), a detective fiction writer finishing his latest novel.
Stalking around the panelled splendour of his country mansion – and declaiming the purple prose of his latest masterwork – his thoughts are disturbed by a knock at the door.
The visitor is Milo Tindle (Michael Praed), a young businessman who intends to marry Wyke's estranged wife, Marguerite.
So begins a battle of wits in which the arrogant Wyke plays a series of disturbing mind games – including the use of a gun loaded with a mix of blanks and live bullets – with his love rival.
Both Praed and MacCorkindale were compelling as these wildly different, and rather unpleasant adversaries.
As Wyke, MacCorkindale switched from a light theatrical arrogance – describing himself as an “Olympic sexual athlete” – to someone more angry, and less certain, once the games were turned against him.
Praed as Tindle, in his shiny blue suit, began the play as a rather blank-eyed and uncertain young man, who becomes increasingly forthright and bullying as he discovers the confidence to challenge Wyke.
As neither of the characters are particularly sympathetic – both prove themselves to be spectacularly arrogant – there is a unpleasant delight in watching them humiliate each other.
And with its magnificent stage set – an English country house complete with panelling, a fireplace and a staircase leading to a mezzanine level – there was much opportunity for them to race about the space, something that's part of the delight in Anthony Shaffer's play.
Dismissed by many as “entertainment” on its 1970 debut, the play tips towards farce without ever losing its sinister edge or deeper truths.
Both characters are fools as they strut about, playing an increasingly disturbing series of games against one another.
But name me one person who hasn't, at some time or another, been made a fool of by love.
Sleuth is at Hull New Theatre, Kingston Square, Hull until Saturday, 7.30pm. Matinees today and Saturday, 2.30pm. Tickets £8.50-£23.50. Call (01482) 226655
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From left, Michael Praed and Simon MacCorkindale in Sleuth
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