THE BUSINESS OF MURDER at Theatre at the Tabard
★★★
“interesting and witty”
The Business of Murder by Richard Harris returns to the stage at the Theatre at The Tabard this month. A play in which the genre could be described as a murder mystery or more like an ‘is there a murder?’ mystery.
The action takes place in the main character, Stone’s, living room of his one bed flat. Designed by Lily Minores and Rob McKinley, the naturalistic set consisted of a two person sofa, an armchair, a small kitchenette area, a little TV and a mysteriously large locked box amongst other items. There was a distinct 80s flavour to them, making the iconography aware audience know that the show was firmly set in that decade. Stone (Miles Gallant) has invited local Police Detective Hallet (Gary Webster) over to discuss his troublesome son, who is nowhere to be found. Hallet leaves, promising to later return, and we soon see Stone then invite local True Crime writer Dee (Charlotte Hunter) to meet his wife. Yet the audience knows Stone’s wife is dead. So why the rouse? The entrapment that follows is the crux of the play which fulfils Act Two, with some interesting reveals that sadly felt they were unveiled too early to sustain the excitement of the story.
The performances were stellar throughout, with every actor showing great detail and focus. Director Nick Bromley is clearly aware of the effect the intimate staging has on said performances – with the style being heavily naturalistic with elements of melodrama when needed. The use of space was one of the greatest drivers of action in this text heavy show, with the actors constantly moving and pacing and exploring the stage. This gladly meant the action never lulled. The stand out performance for me was Gary Webster’s Hallet, who delivers many witty quips as well as leading all the audience questions. Not only was his character charming and funny, but he also didn’t shy away from the ugliness of this self righteous and unapologetic man.
The show was mainly performed in a warm general wash (lighting by Nat Green) without the assistance of any music. I think this fitted well with the naturalistic setting of the piece and allowed the audience to really tune in with what was being said on stage.
Overall The Business of Murder was interesting and witty, let down by the second act’s length and its over explaining of plot reveals
THE BUSINESS OF MURDER at Theatre at the Tabard
Reviewed on 31st October 2024
by David Robinson
Photography by Matt Collins
Previously reviewed at this venue:
DUET | ★★★ | April 2024
THE SECRET GARDEN | ★★★★ | December 2023
ABOUT BILL | ★★★★★ | August 2023
THE BUSINESS OF MURDER
THE BUSINESS OF MURDER
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