News feed

Review

The House by the Lake, Purbeck Players, The Mowlem Theatre, Swanage.

THE House by the Lake is more than a thriller. It is a play of character and atmosphere. An atmosphere which builds tensely as the debarred psychiatrist and his sister first plan the murder of their unpleasant brother, and then put their plan into operation, making their killing seem to be a simple accident.

However the best laid plans are apt to go astray, particularly where murder is concerned, and of course this play is no exception.

Hugh Mills' psychological drama should have provided an opportunity for the Purbeck Players to show off the subtle stage skills that help to keep the audience on the edge of the seats.

Careful attention to the pace of the action, the timing and delivery of lines should have ensured the creation of that vital ingredient of all good crime thrillers - tension. Unfortunately the play lacked the necessary pace and timing.

Director, Gail Green tried to create the drama and tension but it did not quite work.  It may have been better not to have brought the play up to date.

Colin played with malice by Nick Clarke and Iris (Jacqui Charter) his fraught wife gave plausible performances but Rosemary Ford as Janet, gave the most convincing performance of the evening.

Lyn Richell

return to review index