The Business of Murder, by Richard Harris.
Theatre at The Tabard, The Tabard Pub, Bath Road, Chiswick, London W4.
🍷🍷🍷🍷 🥃 4 out of 5 Wines. A small vodka. And a large Whiskey!
They’re killing it at the Tabard Theatre – and it’s easy to see why with this latest offering from writing legend Richard Harris.
I’m personally not a great fan of murder mysteries. I’ve had numerous friends perform in Agatha Christie’s The Mouse Trap in the West End – and I’ve still never seen it. But this offering is more than a simple whodunnit. Because for most of the play, you are not sure what’s been dun! Unlike most in this genre, it cleverly does NOT start with a murder we have to solve. But a series of events set in a first-floor flat in London sometime in the early 1980’s. With three apparently unconnected strangers. But we find out, as things develop, they are all involved in The Business of Murder! Writer Richard describes the piece as a “WhyDunnit rather than a WhoDunnit…” and he’s right!
It’s a clever thriller dripping in quality. I had no previous knowledge of the play, but once again the tiny Theatre At The Tabard are punching above their weight. The set looks more West End than Fringe! As do the technical effects. And the cast, award-winning professionals, are all perfect too. From (ex-Minder) Garry Webster’s, seen-it-all copper, Hallet, through Charlotte Hunter’s creatively alluring prim writer, Dee, through to Miles Gallant’s pedantic but charming flat owner, Stone, none of them put a creative foot wrong and give complete, solid performances.
And Nick Bromley’s direction is assured and detailed too. From little touches like the fourth wall mirror, to Stone’s constant buttoning and unbuttoning of his jacket, Bromley ensures the pace never falters and we are drawn into their world.
If there’s a slight niggle, the second act felt a little bit overlong, but it’s just a niggle. This is theatre of the highest quality in all its elements. I can completely see why Richard Harris and The Business of Murder ran for years in the West End.
Kill for a ticket! You know it makes good Business sense!
Nick Hennegan.
The Business of Murder continues until 23 November.
Standard price tickets cost £23.50/£19.50 concessions. Final 2 weeks £25.50/£21.50 concessions. Running Time Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, including a 15 minute interval.
Coming up at the Tabard
- 29 November – 4 January: THE SNOW QUEEN
- Monday 23 December: THE BIG CHRISTMAS ASSEMBLY
Theatre at the Tabard is at 2 Bath Road, Chiswick (W4 1LW).
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