The Falcon’s Malteser Review – The Vaults
THE FALCON’S MALTESER
A review by Tanya Howard
The show introduces the Diamond Brothers Detective Agency. Tim is the world’s worst private investigator, so can the help of his clever younger brother Nick be enough to crack their toughest case yet? A solitary box of Maltesers is delivered by a miniature Mexican, but what’s so special about these chocolates that half of London’s criminal underworld are willing to kill for them?
Based on Anthony Horowitz’s novel, this production is made up of four cast members with Matt Jopling taking on the role of hapless Tim Diamond, a private detective who is dire need of the help of his thirteen-year-old brother Nick, Sian Eleanor Green. The PI agency does not become “Diamond Brothers Detective Agency” until the end of the play but it is very clear that Nick is the brains behind the operation.
Fergus Leathem and Samantha Sutherland valiantly tackled every other role in the play, effortlessly swapping outfits and characteristics. Sutherland slayed as The Fat Man and was hilarious as the Diamond brother’s Mum. Leathem was hysterical as Himmel, a hired assassin and as stone faced, exasperated Inspector Snape.
Director Lee Lyford put together a very fleshy production which worked really well in the small and limited stage space and had a lot of fun with the show. From referencing The Matrix’s slow-motion scenes during the dangerous scenes and hilarious unexpected musical scenes to reveal the Diamond brother’s back story.
The storyline does not lead to a clique ending, which was great as I spent my time watching invested in the story. I wanted to know how it ended and why people were ready to resort to murder just for a simple box of chocolate. I won’t give away too much if you’ve not read the box but it was a great ending and it involved a lesson from Nick’s Science teacher, a barcode scanner, a riddle and plenty of deaths.
The cast had really great chemistry and I loved how they kept the audience entertained during scene changes as these can become awkward and uncomfortable to watch if the set is not as mobile as it needs to be. The cast are really talented and there are a lot of laugh out loud moments through the show.
The whole show was a light hearted playful piece and I really enjoyed the performance at The Vaults. This would be a great show to take the family to during half term or just as an easy and fun watch with friends of an evening to have a guaranteed night of laughs.
