Page 14 - Real Rochdale Issue 18 Summer 2023

Review: 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. The play promises its audience a thriller and it
A windy, dark and stormy night. A lost stranger delivers, as do all the cast. The set is a miracle
who clearly has lots of money, a serious thirst of what can be achieved in a small setting and
for whisky and a similar wish to find out more the massive construction team deserve their
about the wife. In addition, he clearly knows own curtain call. The play warns that there will
nothing about the concept of personal space. be loud effects and live gunshots. Fortunately,
And the gradual unfolding that the wife has a the cast survived these to take a well-earned
back story to die for. bow at the end.

The other surprise is how good the cast are. As always, I admire the skill with which the
Choosing to learn massive amounts of dialogue director, Andrew Fidler, gets the most from his
and then deliver then convincingly must be a resources. So if you want to take part in a
substantial commitment. But they rise to the theatrical experience in a warm, welcoming
occasion. small theatre, the Curtain is the one for you.
And the after theatre food available nearby is
Paul Ryan, who plays Robert Chappell, and not too bad either.
Esther Weetman who plays his new wife Olivia,
have to spend most of the first act on stage Director: Andrew Fidler
showing us why and how they came to be in the Review: Steve Griffiths
Lakes, running a small hotel. They make a Photos: M Montgomery
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 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

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