Shaffer’s “Sleuth”
Aside
There were two Shaffers – Anthony and Peter – twin brothers, both playwrights. The play we saw yesterday in Bath was by Anthony and I think we were the only ones in our immediate vicinity who hadn’t already seen the play or the film, so we were very absorbed. The Olivier part was played by Simon MacCorkindale. He must be very familiar with “Sleuth” as he directed Douglas Fairbanks junior when he was a member of the theatre scene in Los Angeles in the early eighties. I had imagined he would play the younger man – but of course time does not stand still – he played the elder and Micheal Praed the younger.
It is a very wordy play - full of cerebral games, but the actors took it at a cracking pace and one had to concentrate to keep up. Simon gave a mannered performance, a bit camp at times - reminiscent of Olivier in ‘Dance of Death’ but it really worked and one was carried along with the plays twists and turns.
Michael Praed was new to me but the two of them had forged a great partnership and the coup de theatre in the second act took me by surprise. An excellent show – see it if you get the chance. A real ‘edge of your seat’ thriller. It’s set in the early seventies and reminded one of those ghastly shiny suits some men wore. We gave the cast a tremendous ovation which they thoroughly deserved.
Bath was wet and windy and curiously deserted. We were meeting # 2 son and missus for lunch and I had to warn him before he got close that I had my PCA’s in. He usually envelops me in a bear hug and ruffles my hair – bless him! We had booked a table at Las Iguanas in Sawclose just by the theatre. We were first there but it was soon buzzing with families and children – obviously locals – always a good sign and we had a lovely time.
On the way back the coach driver took a different - more interesting route and I got a rainy shot of Glastonbury Tor. No more theatre for a while but we have a trip to Cardiff to see the ballet. No time to be bored: tomorrow the Sussex branch appears – maybe the last time before they leave to live in OZ. No tears will be allowed.
