Verdict

Everyman, Cheltenham

"OH, what a tangled web we weave when first we practise to deceive".

So wrote Sir Walter Scott, and the unfortunate consequences of misguided intentions are thrown into sharp relief in this beguiling tale of social influence, conflicting loyalties, and ruthless ambition set in late 1950s Bloomsbury.

It's Agatha Christie and the setting is the perennial murder scene of a library, although four scarlet- jacketed books on its towering, well-stocked shelves were not published until 1969.

Draw nigh nonetheless and lament the circumstances of another grim death. Yet this is less of a whodunnit than a 'what happened next?'

So expect plenty of clever twists as the Queen of Crime explores the complex psychology of male/female personal relationships.

The impressive cast is strong and convincing throughout, with notable performances from Mark Wynter as the straight-talking, level-headed Dr Stoner, and Robert Duncan, who runs the full gamut of emotions as the cheery, but ultimately tormented Professor Hendryk.

Cassie Rayne brings considerable dignity to the role of his embittered, invalid wife, eternally resentful of her exile in London, where she is nursed by her devoted cousin Lisa Koletzky, engagingly played by Dawn Steele whose rich accent and smouldering persona make for highly arresting viewing.

Their uneasy ménage à trois is further complicated by the glamorous and headstrong femme fatale Helen Rollander whom Ali Bastian invests with immense poise and allure.

I especially enjoyed Elizabeth Power's endearing, but pivotal, portrayal as down-to-earth housekeeper Mrs Roper who sees all and tells all, whilst forever running out of tea.

The pace early on is a shade slow, but it gradually gathers momentum and builds absorbingly to its climax, leaving a deep sense of appreciation for a splendid piece of English period theatre.

Simon Lewis