A FEAST FOR THE SENSES, BUT NOT FOR THE STORY

By Tanya Howard | Founder, The Live Review London · @glamglitzlondon | Press Invite

Stepping into The Mill At Sonning is always a treat. A picturesque venue offering the perfect blend of culinary delights and theatrical wonders. However, on my recent visit I couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment with the evening’s performance. Deathtrap is a renowned thriller by the acclaimed playwright Ira Levin. Whilst the production has its moments of intrigue and surprise, overall, I struggled to fully connect with the show.

Sidney Bruhl, a once-successful playwright now struggling for a hit, has invited the younger and aspiring writer, Clifford Andersen, to his home to discuss Clifford’s brilliant new play. However, as the night unfolds, it becomes clear that things are not as they seem. As tension builds and dark secrets are revealed, Sidney and Clifford become embroiled in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

DIVING INTO THE DEPTHS OF DEATHTRAP

From the outset, I found myself battling to maintain interest in the storyline of Deathtrap. The pacing felt sluggish at times, and the dialogue-heavy nature left me longing for something to break up the monotony. The actors gracing the stage were undoubtedly talented, their performances brimming with dedication. Yet, despite their best efforts, the show failed to reach the heights I had hoped for. And it’s a sad day indeed for me when a murder thriller can’t capture my heart.

However, amidst the monotony, there was a glimmer of excitement in the form of a great twist at the end of act one. This unexpected turn of events took me by surprise (no spoilers) and injected a much-needed jolt of energy into proceedings. The twist did temporarily revitalise my interest but ended up just showing the disparity between the lacklustre storyline and moments of brilliance. The sudden shift felt jarring and left my grappling to reconcile the two extremes.

It’s a testament to the strength of The Mill At Sonning that even on a night when the show falls short, the overall experience remains enjoyable. Whilst Deathtrap may have fallen short of my expectations, I can’t fault the impeccable hospitality and lovely dining experience. And I remain optimistic that future productions at The Mill At Sonning will once again capture the magic that makes this venue such a beloved destination for theatregoers.

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Photo Credit: Andreas Lambis