Review: Double Death at Darlington Civic Theatre

Twin Teaser

Double Death

Darlington Civic Theatre

Until Wednesday 1^st October 2014.

Photo: Frazer Ashford

Sibling rivalries are nothing new to the stage, but, are the bonds stronger with identical twins? Double Death is set in an isolated Victorian house on the north coast of Cornwall. Ashley Hennessy is due home after a climbing accident which left him in a wheelchair. Before he gets there his twin Max is setting up an opportunity to get even. Max is caught hanging around by his aunt Lalla, who has looked after both boys since they were 5 or 6, and Max is asked to leave before Ashley arrives with his new carer, Nurse Malahide. Needless to say, Max has other ideas and hangs around to get up to mischief.

Photo: Frazer Ashford

The small cast weave the story in a play that improves greatly in the second half as the plot twists and turns. Tom Butcher keeps up the momentum as he plays both twins. Judy Buxton has the bulk of the laughs as the dotty Aunty Lalla. They are ably supported by Kim Tidy as the nurse and Brian Capron as the detective who is looking forward to retirement.  Not everything in the story makes sense but that that is true of many complex stories in life. Director Philip Stewart ensures that the story doesn’t follow the “Agatha Christie” conventions as no body is lying on the stage as the curtain goes down in the first half.  

The end result is a pleasant evening and a play that doesn’t end the way that you might expect.

This review was written by Stephen Oliverfor Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com). Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo on Facebook www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo

On The Web:

Website: www.talking-scarlet.co.uk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkingScarlet

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Talking-Scarlet

Tickets

Tue & Wed 7.30pm £17.50, £18.50, £20, £22,

Wed 2pm all seats £14

Discounts available

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

Tour:

Lowestoft Marina Theatre 6-8^th October

Basingstoke Haymarket 15-18^thOctober