The first thing that strikes you is the set. Palace Pier in Brighton has never looked so threatening. The structure allows movement on a huge scale, up and down the ladders (one which moves around the stage), under the pier and on top. Designer Sara Perks is to be congratulated. Director Esther Richardson (for Pilot Theatre, the York Theatre Royal company) has created a fine, menacing picture of gangsters and their unfortunate interaction with the public.
Bryony Lavery has made a clever adaptation of the Graham Greene novel, taking a different slant to the classic movie starring Richard Attenborough. It is here that Ida, on holiday in the town, carries the moral thread. Her relationship at the beginning with the first murder victim drives her quest to see justice is done and save the young waitress, Rose, from the clutches of the diabolical Pinkie.
I found the whole experience to be enthralling. The acting was borderline OK. Ida was played well by Gloria Onitiri and there were good cameos from lesser characters. However, I found the central performances of Jacob James Beswick as Pinkie and Sarah Middleton as Rose somewhat irritating in their delivery. Otherwise this was a terrific show.
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