REVIEW: WAIT UNTIL DARK

SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE

Written by Frederick Knott, author of the enjoyable Dial M For Murder, this is a revival of this classic psychological thriller.

Set in the 1960s with a convincingly authentic stage set, the play tells the story of Suzi, a blind woman left alone in her apartment, being disturbed by a bunch of ex-crims trying to hatch an elaborate plot entailing Amsterdam drugs being hidden inside a child’s doll.

Playing the blind Suzi, Karina Jones is outstanding as the first ever blind actress taking this challenging role.

As young well-meaning schoolgirl Gloria, Shannon Rewcroft is utterly convincing; and as the creepy manipulator Roat, Tim Treloar is genuinely scary.

Stage lighting is dramatically effective, particularly in the terrifying climax, with its totally dark “waiting”, for the inevitable horrors.

Unfortunately, the plot now seems dated and convoluted, with too many irrelevant characters, pedestrian developments, and flat dialogue.

And playing the Beach Boys’ Good Vibrations while waiting for the grotesque finale just seems bizarrely inappropriate.

The 1967 movie version of Wait Until Dark starred Oscar nominated Audrey Hepburn, James Bond director Terence Young, a scary score by Henry Mancini, and is often considered one of the hookiest films of all time.

This current touring stage play revival, especially considering the quality producers of the wonderful Night Must Fall and Birdsong, sadly disappoints.

Wait Until Dark runs until Saturday, with matinees Thursday and Saturday.

Brendan McCusker