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Teresa Banham (Harriet), Neil McKinven (Paul), Abigail Thaw (Stephanie), Gray O'Brien (Rebus) and Jade Kennedy (Candida)and Billy Hartman (Jack). Picture: Nobby Clark Rebus: A Game Called Malice Malvern Theatres **** Ian Rankin and Simon Reade bring forth a retired Rebus to the stage at Malvern Theatres this week with Rebus: A Game Called Malice. As the guests enjoy a tipple of whiskey an unfortunate incident occurs at an opulent dinner party set amongst a lavish spattering of early 20th century Scottish Colourist paintings, there are many secrets to uncover, mysteries to solve and a corpse to investigate. Will Rebus be able to read the room as the tension builds and relationships are strained beyond repair? Can Harriet determine whether her Cadell is an original or will influencer Candida let the chips fall where they may? All bets are off. Rebus, Gray O’Brien, and lawyer friend Stephanie, Abigail Thaw, become embroiled in a murder mystery Cluedo-inspired after-dinner game that host Harriet, Teresa Banham, has concocted to ignite the characters sleuthing leanings and a fictional murder to solve with only details of a missing vase. A classic whodunit amongst ‘so called friends’ and a husband Paul, Neil McKinven, who’s controlling habits are wearing thin. Crime fiction as we know it appeared for the first time in the works of Edgar Allan Poe and there are plenty of nods to other such authors throughout the centuries with similarities to The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde with double lives and subterfuge. All is not what it seems in this Edinburgh mansion and the first Act, along with the amuse bouche, is over in a flash, just 40 minutes to be exact, leaving many questions and predictions as to the conclusion. The second Act is loaded with suspicions and accusations to a busted flush. Jack Fleming, Richard Hodder, is a dark horse and can’t hide any aces up his sleeve with an influencer girlfriend Candida, Jade Kennedy, documenting his every move. All is revealed in a surprising ending that leaves more questions than answers as Rankin twists the plot with his humorous dessert. Just one more thing… Tickets are available, from the box office on 01684 892277 or online. Emma Trimble 21-10-24 |
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