Dangerous Obsession

The stunningly beautiful Sally Driscoll (Zalia Joi) has just returned to the conservatory after a sunbathing session, when a strange Crippen-like man appears at the door. He introduces himself as John Barrett (Mark Blades) a man who shared her and her husband’s table for a meal at a conference four years earlier. The fact that he still remembers what she wore, drank and ate naturally disturbs Sally, who cannot really recall this expressionless, creepy visitor. When Sally’s husband Mark (Peter Clark) returns home, he has faint memories of the meeting, but after a hard days work cannot be bothered with this boring little man. Then Barrett, who is obsessed with love, affection and a strange idea of what his rights and entitlements are, is told to leave the home. The mood changes and the stranger makes an offer.

This must be one of the best thrillers that I have seen in years. Norman Crisp was mainly a BBC TV script writer who in the 60’s and 70’s wrote numerous thrillers and spy stories (Colditz). This is his writing at its best. At the interval you are convinced that you have the whole story ‘sorted out’ but how far from the truth can one be?

Hal Davies has skilfully directed the three extremely talented actors, who managed to keep the tension going for the whole play. The scenery, lighting, sound and technical effects were all well above average. It is 15 years since I have seen Zalia act, although I have seen her sing and perform since, it seems a shame that such a talent hasn’t been employed in all these years.