Fringe Review: A SIMPLY BEASTLY MURDER, Jack Dome at Pleasance Dome
Photo credit: Chris Saunders
Did you ever wonder what happened to The Famous Five? Well, in Rachel E. Thorn’s play A Simply Beastly Murder, you can (unofficially) find out! We meet Dick (it's Richard now) who is now a Private Investigator in the USA. When he gets stuck in a particularly big case, he calls on Anne for help. Anne arrives quite unchanged since her childhood adventuring days and is shocked to see how the States has changed Dick. The duo set out on a brand new adventure.
Writer Thorn takes on the role of Anne and she is exactly what you'd imagine a grown up member of the Famous Five to be. She's full of joy and excitement, which contrasts perfectly to Alistair Mackay's weathered Dick. Mackay really captures the essence of film noir that the play is styled off, complete with direct address nation pitched perfectly.
Thorn's writing, in combination with James Stone's direction, fills the production with a huge amount of creativity. We won't spoil surprises here, as requested by the cast, but a wide variety of methods are used to tell this murder mystery that features more than two people. Sound designer Ed Heaton also needs to be recognised for his great use of surround sound, really immersing us in the world.
A Simply Beastly Murder is an entertaining crime drama, elevated by the fact that it acts as an unofficial sequel to the classic Famous Five series. Whether you love the Famous Five or have never encountered the series, this play is certainly worth watching for its very creative staging.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Jacob Bush