Review: THE CAT AND THE CANARY, The Alexandra Birmingham (UK tour)
Photo credit: Paul Coltas
Bill Kenwright’s Classic Thriller Theatre Company unite for the classic whodunnit, The Cat and the Canary. Clearly no expense has been spared with the deliciously opulent set and star-studded cast. The plot? Six estranged cousins all gather in the mansion of their deceased relative Mr West, located across the moors from an insane asylum, twenty years after his passing, at midnight, during a thunderstorm for the reading of the will. We think we can all agree, there is no more perfect setting for a horror play.
The ironically named Miss Pleasant welcomes you to the sumptuous living room of the mansion, beautifully designed by Takis. Decadent wood panelling, Chesterfield sofas, ornate fireplaces and an oil painting of Mr West dominates the space, supporting the idea that even twenty years later Mr West is still watching over them all. Brit Ekland exudes charisma into Miss Pleasant as she talks of ghosts and fear with a superior knowing. Ekland is the anchor to the piece, introducing each character as they arrive and becoming the narrator for the house itself.
The cast certainly have star quality, and complement each other incredibly well. Tracy Shaw is exceptional in the role of Annabelle, commanding the stage with poise and grace yet still remaining relatable throughout, and Anthony Costa brings a boyish and endearing charm to Paul the Vet. All of the ingredients are present to create a compelling horror comedy and yet it somehow misses the mark.
Neither comedy (though it does have some comedic moments), nor horror, though again there are moments to make you flinch, this incarnation of The Cat and the Canary spends the majority of its time in no man’s land. It’s a nice production, which is a shame as it has all of the elements required to be incredible. In truth, it would pack more of a punch and therefore have the desired effect in smaller, more intimate theatres. In this instance, bigger is by no means better. If it takes your fancy, get tickets right up close, be in the thick of the action.
*** Three stars
Reviewed by: Alanna Boden
For more information and to book tickets for select venues, please click here.