Patrick Hamilton’s 1929 play was inspired by a true-life murder in America where two students killed another, without motive except for the thrill of carrying out the perfect crime.
Rope, set in London, has Oxford students Brandon and Granillo as the perpetrators for whom it part adventure and part intellectual exercise.
Their arrogance in establishing an alibi is to hold a party in their home. All the while the body is in a large chest on which supper is served.
The writing is dated and its verbosity stifles any build up of suspense. It calls for the opening scene to be played total darkness – for far too long.
The play may disappoint but the acting throughout does not.
Guy Steddon and Simon Robinson give contrasting performances – one chilling, controlled and quoting Nietzsche to justify his actions, the other a nervous wreck.
Occasionally Steddon, who also directs, needs a little more subtlety.
Dan Dryer, as Cadell, has a fine touch with the character’s cynicism whilst Matthew Arnold and Sarah Frost entertain as two bright young things despite Ms Frost being saddled with some ghastly dialogue.
There is beautifully understated acting from Derek Fraser who combines old world dignity with mild bewilderment.
Three stars
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