|
|
|
| |
|
|
| Edinburgh : A&E : Theatre: Reviews |
|
Corpse!
The play's plot runs thus: Twin brothers Evelyn and Rupert, one a struggling actor, the other a prosperous businessman and both played by Mark McGann are chalk and cheese. Each loathes the other for their choice of lifestyle. In his squalid Soho basement, actor Evelyn, envious of his brother's success, hatches a plot to do away with Rupert. He hires a hit man to kill his brother and that's where the fun starts. There are some brilliant one-liners and while Mark McGann's Evelyn gets most of them, Colin Baker as the "hired killer" Ambrose, has some priceless moments too. Louise Jameson plays classic cockney Mrs McGee who has a fancy for Evelyn. Unfortunately for Mrs McGee, Evelyn's sexuality is clearly ambiguous but refreshingly, this doesn't put her off! Not the brightest button on the uniform, P.C. Hawkins is played duffer style, by David Warwick, who is clearly unstretched by his role, as one might expect, given his pedigree. Corpse!'s cast work hard, but they're all a bit too comfortable with their parts. While lacking the spark of freshness, the confidence with which dialogue is delivered gives a slick and glossy feel to the production. McGann handled an unscripted loss of balance in the opening scene perfectly and he certainly wasn't stirred by a flying cocktail shaker. When Evelyn cooks breakfast for Ambrose, he seems to actually cook! It might have been special effects but I could smell the stuff and would have enjoyed a portion! Corpse is a not "Whodunnit?", more a "Whogotitduntothem?" but for amateur sleuths and crime fiction fans, there are lots of clues to the final denouement and an outcome which will pleasurably infuriate. Corpse! is still an lively, entertaining play, performed comfortably by a seasoned cast and provides a thoroughly good night out at the theatre. © Max Blinkhorn 22 October 2002. - Published on EdinburghGuide.com Tour of Corpse Continues in England Week begining 4 November Richmond Theatre 11 November Poole Arts Centre 18 November Coventry Belgrade Theatre 25 November Brighton Theatre Royal 2 December Milton Keynes Theatre Tour Ends
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|||
