Judy Buxton and Brian Capron give acting master classes in Simon Williams’ thriller Double Death presented by Talking Scarlet.
On The Up star Judy is the play’s driving force in her excellent portrayal of eccentric Aunt Lalla, torn between her identical twin nephews Max and Ashley, one of whom is a psychopath hell bent on murdering the other.
Brian, switching from Coronation Street villain to a less glamorous detective inspector role, adds authority and substance in an implausible case of sibling rivalry literally going into over-kill.
Andrew Paul, who plays both twins, Max and Ashley, creates a menacing atmosphere but could show a lighter touch when talking directly to the audience. He is at his best in witty exchanges with Buxton, Capron and Kim Tiddy, who impresses as his nurse.
Those audience members who view this contrived story as a spoof can more fully appreciate the humour. Shocks and twists come when the drama unfolds in an isolated house on the cliffs of North Cornwall.
Director Philip Stewart has a difficult task in keeping the action moving while incorporating a wheelchair-bound Ashley using a lift several times, and the brothers talking through an intercom and mobile phones.
But he does a good job and is backed up by an excellent cast in providing an evening of eerie entertainment.
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