Sweet Revenge – Rainhill Village Hall

Sophie Brogan has selected a real cracker for her directorial debut which plays to the strengths of both the company and their venue with an almost full house for opening night. Francis Durbridge is one of Britain’s most popular crime novelists and playwrights, and while it was his last play, Sweet Revenge is considered to be his best.

Dr Ross Marquand (Rick Young) has it all: a high-flying career as a cardiac consultant, a wonderful home, and a beautiful wife, Fay (Alison Mawdsley) as well as the respect of medical colleague Sam Kennedy (George Lowe), businessman Bill Yorke (Tom Nevitt), and assistant Judy Hilton (Liz Munro).

In spite of the immediate support of her brother Alan (Peter Cliffe) and close friend Marian (Angela Vose), Fay is not a happy woman, more so since she met the internationally famous conductor Julian Kane (Gerald Walker).

When Fay announces to her husband that she has fallen in love with Julian, a sinister chain of events begins to unravel, culminating at the local regatta, and it’s not long before Inspector Norman Sanders (Terry James) is on the scene to determine whodunnit…

Set entirely in the Marquand’s living room, Richard Parker’s design perfectly captures the 1970’s feel with its orange and brown period decoration reflected in the wallpaper and furniture, with the theme subtly carried through into props (Rosetta Parker; Ruth Proffitt) such as paintings and lampshades. This attention to detail is equally matched in Lynn Aconley’s selection of costume and accoutrements with Brogan’s accompanying musical selection fully immersing us in the period during the enforced scene changes – blame the writer! – coordinated by Graham Swift.

The action however is very much in the present with an accomplished cast including a couple of new members to the company delightfully weaving us through every twist and turn – in spite of some opening night nerves – and maintaining the suspense right unto the end.

Mawdsley embodied the ennui of a woman who, despite appearances, has little to shout about whilst in contrast Vose reflected the vacuousness of her erstwhile best friend. Cliffe’s strong performance gave real depth to his character, whilst James’ nonplussed detective suitably struggled to make sense of it all.

Lowe excels as the understated world-weary doctor plagued by worries whilst Nevitt’s portrayal of the self-assured, successful businessman hinted towards underlying emotions. Munro’s no-nonsense Judy was so efficient and organised that she almost drew our sympathy.

Young is superb as Ross and in one of his strongest performances, really gets under the skin of the character and his composure amid a maelstrom of emotions as a result of Walker’s delightful cameo as the rakish heartbreaker who’s about to be literally upended.

Brogan is a great example of someone who has come through the ranks at Rainhill Garrick Society having tentatively treaded the boards a few years ago through to taking on lead roles in productions and now successfully turning her hand to directing. As tonight’s production demonstrated, there are always opportunities for new members to get involved so whether you want to explore set building/dressing or try prompting, or are interested in acting or play readings, then why not get involved at Rainhill Garrick Society. Further details https://www.rainhillgarrick.co.uk/

Rainhill Village Hall is a short walking distance from Rainhill Station (Liverpool-Manchester line) with free parking also available (post code for the hall is L35 4LU). There are also several amazing restaurants and bars in Rainhill village, so you could treat yourself before the show and make a night of it.

Sweet Revenge performs at Rainhill Village Hall from 13th-15th February at 7.30pm with tickets priced at £9 and available from Rainhill Post Office or by calling 01744 606067. Alternatively, tickets can be booked online via www.ticketsource.co.uk/rainhill-garrick-society

Reviewer: Mark Davoren

Reviewed: 13^th February 2025

North West End UK Rating: