Summer 2023Review: Stone Cold Murder

The Curtain Theatre always surprises me. Going to an area more noted for its ambience of curry than for a great theatrical experience is an act of faith... What were an audience of about 130 doing there on a wet Rochdale Monday evening? The answer was plainly having a good time.

The play is, surprisingly, a thriller with all the necessary props. A lonely hotel in the middle of nowhere. A young couple who have married in haste and are gradually realising that they know little of the history of the other partner. A windy, dark and stormy night. A lost stranger who clearly has lots of money, a serious thirst for whisky and a similar wish to find out more about the wife. In addition, he clearly knows nothing about the concept of personal space. And the gradual unfolding that the wife has a back story to die for.

The other surprise is how good the cast are. Choosing to learn massive amounts of dialogue and then deliver then convincingly must be a substantial commitment. But they rise to the occasion.

Paul Ryan, who plays Robert Chappell, and Esther Weetman who plays his new wife Olivia, have to spend most of the first act on stage showing us why and how they came to be in the Lakes, running a small hotel. They make a complete success of this; we are clear that the stage is set for a surprise. It almost comes as a relief when the lost walker, bearded and suitably clothed, stumbles into the set on a rush of wind. Greg Williams delivers his lines with conviction but we all know that someone who has a roll of fivers in his pocket to pay and drinks whisky like a fish is not to be trusted.

The fourth character, the former boyfriend, Jack Rawstron, arrives like a pantomime villain and proceeds to set the play on fire or something like the same effect.

The play promises its audience a thriller and it delivers, as do all the cast. The set is a miracle of what can be achieved in a small setting and the massive construction team deserve their own curtain call. The play warns that there will be loud effects and live gunshots. Fortunately, the cast survived these to take a well-earned bow at the end.

As always, I admire the skill with which the director, Andrew Fidler, gets the most from his resources. So if you want to take part in a theatrical experience in a warm, welcoming small theatre, the Curtain is the one for you. And the after theatre food available nearby is not too bad either.

Director: Andrew Fidler
Review: Steve Griffiths
Photos: M Montgomery

The Curtain Theatre puts on five shows a season and a number of guest shows. For information on forthcoming shows, visit the company’s website: www.curtaintheatrerochdale.co.uk