A new adaptation of the much-loved film - directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Margaret Lockwood and Michael Redgrave. Read more …
Socialite Iris is travelling home to England on the train when an accident introduces her to the mild-mannered Miss Froy. After her travelling companion suddenly disappears, Iris is perplexed to find that all the other passengers deny ever having seen her. With the help of urbane musician Max she turns detective and together they become drawn into a complex web of European intrigue as they try to solve the mystery of why the lady vanished.
A quick-witted and devilishly fun thriller, the 1939 classic film is ranked as one of the best British films of all time. This early masterpiece from Hitchcock - the ‘Master of Suspense’ – is brought to life in a new adaptation from the masters of the stage thriller.
The Classic Thriller Theatre Company doesn’t pretend to reinvent the wheel with this staged version of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1938 The Lady Vanishes, but it delivers just what its name suggests, a classic thriller play.
The tone is light, the action pacy and the performances choreographed to a delightful tee – Matt Barber in particular eking out farce where none should be. But the staging and direction, like the story and the structure, are solid but unremarkable. Vanishing from memory as quickly as Miss Froy.
By the end of the evening audience members were oohing at the twists and aahing at the romance of a delightful romp that isn’t so much old fashioned as timeless. As train tickets go, this one is well worth the money.
The problem is that it never manages to illicit the sort of response that is the mark of a classic thriller.
The 12-strong cast deliver the story with spirit and verve.
If you’re looking for a couple of hours of escapist mini-thrills, reasonably amusing jokes and well-polished acting, go and see The Lady Vanishes.
This is a well-constructed production, that, though undemanding, provides a thoroughly entertaining, escapist evening of entertainment.
King's Theatre, Edinburgh from Monday February 18, 2019, until Saturday February 23, 2019. More info: http://www.edtheatres.com/kings
Theatre Royal, Glasgow from Monday July 1, 2019, until Saturday July 6, 2019. More info: www.theambassadors.com/theatreroyalglasgow/
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