Playhouse production never falters

THEATRE critic Mortimer Brewster is used to his brother Teddy’s alter ego, President Roosevelt.

But when his genteel maiden aunts reveal themselves as serial poisoners of lonely old men, Mortimer’s comfortable life – he is soon to be married to the Reverend Harper’s daughter Elaine – is turned upside down.

Thinking things cannot get any worse – the two old ladies admit to administering the poison in elderberry wine and burying the bodies in the cellar – they do.

Mortimer’s long-estranged other brother Jonathan – another serial killer – turns up, looking like Boris Karloff and with creepy “Doctor” Einstein in tow.

Philip Wilson’s production never falters and it is difficult to single out any individual for special praise, since everyone does an exemplary job.

Having said that, David Leonard exudes menace as Jonathan and his fall, when hit over the head, is deliciously over-done.

Gwyneth Powell, as Aunt Abby keeps everything moving and the New York cops provide some great comedic moments, especially frustrated playwright Officer O’Hara (Colm Gormley) and world-weary Lieutenant Rooney (Roger Alborough).

Mike Britton’s design perfectly en- capsulates a well-appointed Brooklyn house and enables Teddy (Stuart Fox) to execute his charges up the stairs with aplomb.

Tim Mitchell’s lighting creates great atmosphere, the brightness of afternoon tea with the Reverend Harper contrasting with the dirty deeds played out in total or semi-darkness.

Aunt Abby says to the Reverend Harper, when describing nephew Mortimer’s reprehensible career: “The theatre cannot last much longer.”

Sadly, nor does this production, so don’t miss it – I could happily see it again and again.

Katharine Lawley