REVIEW: Night Must Fall at the Everyman Theatre
This psychological thriller written by the Welsh playwright and actor Emlyn Williams arrived at the Everyman Theatre this week courtesy of The Original Theatre Company.
The play got off to a comical start as we became acquainted with the characters and their reasons for being at the remote home of the invalid Mrs. Branson, played by the excellent Gwen Taylor. The whole play is set in the house located at the edge of the forest and with no phone the perfect place for a crime to be committed. Crippled by the fear of being alone Mrs. Branson surrounds herself by staff including her maid Dora, the jovial housekeeper Mrs Terence, and her niece Olivia, who pander to her every need. Other visitors to the house include district Nurse Libby and Hubert, the rather dull but ever hopeful potential suitor to Olivia.
A knock on the door heralds the arrival of Inspector Belsize (Daragh O’Malley) from Scotland Yard who is investigating the disappearance of a woman from the nearby hotel. The household is on edge as investigations begin and eventually a body is discovered nearby. Meanwhile, Mrs. Branson, a rather controlling woman takes it upon herself to sort out the problems of her maid Dora and Dan (the bellboy from the local hotel) when Dora falls pregnant. Will Featherstone is excellent as Dan who manages to charm Mrs. Branson and land a position with her.
The dynamic of the household subsequently changes and the mood gets darker. Olivia has her suspicions, as does Inspector Belsize, and as events unfold the drama escalates until the murderer and their motives are finally revealed.
If you enjoy a play with intriguing suspense and humorous elements then this is the evening out for you.
Night Must Fall runs until Saturday 12 November.
Explore Gloucestershire
9 November 2016
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