Sleuth

Tue, 5 May 2009, 08:02 am

‘Sleuth’ was written by Anthony Schaffer in 1970 play. It is showing at the Harbour Theatre, in the Princess May Building, Cantonment Street, Fremantle at 8.00 pm until 16^th May.

The play is set in Wiltshire, in the remote mansion of wealthy, lord of the manor, Andrew Wyke (Alan Kennedy). Wyke loves to devise brain games, and through these the plots of his successful detective mysteries. Wyke has just finished his latest book when the doorbell rings; it is his wife, Marguerite’s, lover Milo Tindle (Alex Jones) the impecunious owner of a travel agency.

Wyke explains his wife’s propensity to spend money, and would therefore like to ensure her future security, by suggesting Tindle make a quick financial gain by defrauding an insurance company.

Why should Wyke wish to help Tindle? Will the idea work?

Apart from the solid but quirky, performance of the niggling, yokelish, Inspector Doppler (James Alan Brown) and the brief ‘walk on’ parts of his police colleagues (Johnathan Turban and Daniel Langlands), this play is essentially a dialogue between Wyke and Tindle. Therefore, the whole strength of the play relies on these two performances. Alan Kennedy – nominated for best actor at the 2007 and 2008 Finley Awards – proves that his two nominations were not merely a flash in the pan; he captures the arrogant, manipulating and devious Wyke to a tee. The performance from Alex Jones (best actor, 2008 Finley Awards) was equally brilliant, as a man very much in love, but on guard when faced with the bon-ami approach of his girlfriend’s husband.

Incidentally, Shaffer said the character of Wyke was inspired by his friend, composer Stephen Sondheim, who has an intense interest in playing tricks.

This is one of the few ‘totally complete’ plays that I have seen. The acting was amazing, the lighting and tech work clever and operated with split second precision, the set – on two levels – of extremely high quality, the costumes fun and accurate and by no means least, the directing was first class. Award winning director Dannielle Ashton slowly built up the tension and suspense, whilst keeping the stage filled with movement and interest. Truly a 5-star play, practically faultless. Can’t wait for the Finleys.

Thread (20 posts)

Threaded Flat

Gordon the OptomTue, 5 May 2009, 08:02 am

‘Sleuth’ was written by Anthony Schaffer in 1970 play. It is showing at the Harbour Theatre, in the Princess May Building, Cantonment Street, Fremantle at 8.00 pm until 16^th May.

Wyke explains his wife’s propensity to spend money, and would therefore like to ensure her future security, by suggesting Tindle make a quick financial gain by defrauding an insurance company.

Why should Wyke wish to help Tindle? Will the idea work?

Incidentally, Shaffer said the character of Wyke was inspired by his friend, composer Stephen Sondheim, who has an intense interest in playing tricks.

Gordon the OptomTue, 5 May 2009, 08:12 am

the set

PS. the staircase came courtesy of Hywel Williams, but don't let it distract from the quality of the acting.

Robert WhyteWed, 6 May 2009, 08:25 am

I saw this show on opening night

I look forward to Streetcar Danni! Cheers Robert.

Walter PlingeWed, 6 May 2009, 12:58 pm

"...more a club problem, in

"...more a club problem, in that of the flats used in the set, after years of wallpapering painting and dismantling they really need to be replaced, because they simply make the set look shoddy" "I think Harbour needs to bite the bullet and recanvas all its flats" "...some of whom can easily afford to do this" I'm sorry, but where did this come from and what does it have to do with the production. Have you had re-canvassing flats priced? It's not as cheap as you imply. Maybe Harbour have had a quote and cannot afford to have their flats recanvassed at this time, or are planning on a gradual replacement program. I know they do a damn fine job with the flats they have. Yes, they are aged and worn, but that is no reason to replace them. Not everything has to be brand new to do the job: RECYCLE, REUSE, REDUCE ... Apologies for the rant. I no longer talk on here but this comment about the flats got my goat.

Robert WhyteWed, 6 May 2009, 01:29 pm

In case its not clear.

I liked the set, I thought it was well designed, and dressed, BUT, it is a shame it gets let down by being constructed with overused dilapidated flats that need recanvassing, there is only so much careful painting and lighting of a set to cover those sort of flaws, and I was pointng out it was a common problem in many community theatres. I also do not understand why an honest review has been moderated down.

Walter PlingeWed, 6 May 2009, 02:27 pm

Spoiler

spoil·er n. 1. One who seizes spoils or booty. 2. Something that causes spoilage. 3. a. A long, narrow hinged plate on the upper surface of an airplane wing that reduces lift and increases drag when raised. b. An air deflector mounted usually at the rear of an automobile to reduce lift at high speeds. 4. A candidate for office whose chances of winning are slight but who may get enough votes to prevent one of the leading candidates from winning. 5. A post to a newsgroup that divulges information intended to be a surprise, such as a plot twist in a movie.

Tim ProsserWed, 6 May 2009, 02:59 pm

I've had to paint those

I've had to paint those awful flats numerous times in recent years, and I'm not talking about plain colour here, but a variety of effects such as wood grain, wallpaper or scenic backdrops. I can tell you that the lumps, cracks, rips, patches and bad joins only serve to make the job more difficult than it should be and the finished results are never as good as they could have been. This is not a problem unique to Harbour, but it is common with all theatre groups that operate on the smell of an oily rag. I realise, of course, that it just isn't possible to wave a magic wand and produce the funds necessary to pay for re-covering of old flats, but it need not be prohibitively expensive if calico is substituted for canvas and labour is supplied by volunteers . . . such as myself (oh gawd, here we go again!). I daresay I can get Mr Hywell Williams on-side too, though at some time that suits all parties. After all, if I have to paint the blasted things, then I want a decent surface to do it on! Anybody else interested in helping out? Per Ardua Ad Astra

LogosWed, 6 May 2009, 03:21 pm

You could also use 3mm

You could also use 3mm luan(sp?) plywood and if you really want a cloth surface use a light calico on top. Certainly the play is cheaper than good quality canvas. Please don't use either MDF or hardboard as the weight becomes prohibitive. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

Robert WhyteWed, 6 May 2009, 06:18 pm

Thankyou Tim

Cheers Robert.

Walter PlingeWed, 6 May 2009, 07:32 pm

Trolls?

Not all unregistered users are trolls, and vice versa.In fact your one word [or is it two?] replies to Devils advocate would have made any troll proud. Walter Splinge made a valid point in a clever manner and his post gives a good clue as to why your review was moderated. Remember,unregistered users cannot moderate. And yes I am using an alias, I do not feel like using my real name when replying to someone who attacks with insulting expletives.This does not make me a troll

jmuzzThu, 7 May 2009, 12:38 am

If it's flats need doing....

...I'll help you and Hywell Tim if only to partially cleanse my guilt as one who hasn't often served in a backstage capacity. I'd actually like to be useful in some sort of half-arsed "god he paints like an ill-disciplined pissed ceiling painter" kinda way. Add me to the team. You know where to find me.

Robert WhyteThu, 7 May 2009, 06:59 am

You WIn!

Obviously as my comments given in the spirit of pointing out areas that need improvement cause so much umbrage I am removing them, I'll just join the sycophant brigade and tell everyone they are wonderful and everything was wonderful even when its not the truth.

Walter PlingeThu, 7 May 2009, 09:16 am

Put them back. Learn to cop

Put them back. Learn to cop the umbrage on the chin. Don't take your bat and ball and go home.

cheeky monkeyThu, 7 May 2009, 10:01 am

Robert, are you always

Robert, are you always angry? Do you feel put upon? Who cares what people say in comment to your post, thats what it is all about, I believe thats why these sites exist. You must know that you are going to get people on here who decide to attack your opinion, just take it on the chin and carry on. I have a feeling the picture you have supplied might not help your cause, as it looks like you have been emotionally hurt...on the verge of tears, I think the put upon victim is making you, well...victimised! Please don't join the sycophants, your honest commentary on all things theatre is to valuable a comodity.

Walter PlingeSat, 9 May 2009, 12:41 am

try saying something positive

instead of commenting on the flats you could actually say somthing positive about the production!!! After seeing many productions i would like to say congradulations to dani and the cast as i thought the play was fantastic. And to the harbour community thankyou for always providing entertainment and original theatre you are always made to feel welcome this is the true spirit of community theatre . thankyou and i look forward to next season

LogosSat, 9 May 2009, 09:35 am

Actually no name the

Actually no name the original post that Robert has removed said a great many positive things about the show. I am a little disappointed that he chose to remove the review. A number of people agreed with him about the standard of the flats involved and I felt personally that he was trying to be constructive. I know that I don't live in WA and that is why I have more or less kept silent up to this point. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

Christian DaltonSat, 9 May 2009, 02:19 pm

Amatuer theatre raises the bar

Well, I have been looking forward to seeing this production for some time now. You can't beat a good, serious play, and I can say that this production did not dissapoint. For such an intense and clever play that requires an immense amount of talent and understanding from the two leads, casting the appropriate actors is even more crucial. Director Dannielle did a fine job in filling those roles, who both performed perfectly opposite one another. I was very impressed with the set, and effects used. The highlight for me, without giving away the story, was Alex Jones performances in the 2nd Act. Fantastic!! A couple of minor faults including maybe 2 slip-ups with lines, but easily done, especially when having so many lines. And also bearing in mind this was only the 2nd live performance. Overall, an evening well spent. In the words of Andrew Wyke "first class!"

Walter PlingeSat, 9 May 2009, 05:54 pm

I look forward to Robert

I look forward to Robert putting his review back. People need to be able to take constructive criticism. Tough luck if they don't like it.

Robert WhyteSun, 10 May 2009, 03:34 pm

Its not going to happen In

Its not going to happen! In future I will speak directly to the people involved in the real world. The postings were removed for that reason, and I believe reviews generally are occuring less and less on this site because of the pathetic mean spirited idiots that obviously have nothing better to do than take pot shots at those who will get off their arse and try to make a difference, and instead choose to stand on the sidelines and criticise things they would never get off their arse and do themselves. I don't mind criticism at all Mr Black,that had nothing to do with the removal of my postings, my involvement in the site from this point on will be minimal, I can't be bothered with the stupidity on this site any longer.

Walter PlingeTue, 19 May 2009, 11:41 am

Given the play's over now,

Given the play's over now, surely the review can be put back? The biggest objection was that it gave a few plot twists away and surely that doesn't matter now?

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