ALTHOUGH written more than 20 years ago, this thriller has stood the test of time. In typical Francis Durbridge style, it combines the familiar with the Machiavellian and murky to produce a play which is both witty and thrilling.

In the circles of London's upper middle class art and antiques dealers, interior designer Stacey Harrison (Deborah Grant) is accused of having an affair with a mystery man she kills as an intruder. Aided by her estranged barrister husband, Philip (Gareth Hunt), Stacey sets out to clear her name. But is she telling the truth?

Although in a peripheral role, Tony Scannell as the archetypal toff Gerald Waddington steals the show, raising a laugh from the audience almost every time he opens his mouth.

There is good interaction between Scannell and Hunt, with Hunt's dry manner complementing Scannell's more obvious humour. Chris Ellison is well-suited to the role of Inspector Lennox, the suspicious Met policeman.

The production is professional and an enjoyable evening out, but had one or two first night teething problems, such as noticeable feedback from the microphones. The audience was also greatly amused to see the corpse of the murdered man sitting in a chair when the curtain was mistakenly pulled up between scenes.

However, it was generally a production of high quality, with actors who did a witty and intelligent plot justice. Like all good old-fashioned murder mysteries, it will keep you guessing until the end.

* Runs until Saturday. Box Office: (01325) 486555.

Published: 10/02/2005