Review by Paul Towers, 29/4/24
Dangerous Corner by J B Priestley
Directed by John Ghent
Produced by Leicester Drama Society
At The Little Theatre until Saturday 4th May 2024
“the plot twists will make you gasp”
In 1932 JB Priestley had yet to gain widespread respect as a playwright. Dangerous Corner was his first attempt at a full length stage play.
Deliberately creating a one set play Priestley used a theme that he returned to again and again. Disharmony amongst families and friends due to secrets and lies.
In middle class middle England Freda (Joy Brankin-Frisby) and Robert Caplan (John Moulding) are throwing a dinner party for close friends and colleagues at Robert and Gordan’s (Stuart Bryan) publishing firm. Gordan’s wife, Betty (Rachael Humphrey), along with Freda, is friends with Olwen (Kat Lenthall), another guest. Of the friendship group the last is single Charles Stanton (Paul Beasley).
To add some much needed comedy Angela Hill’s Maud Mockridge, local celebrity author, is almost channelling Madame Acarti.
It would be a very suburban and cosy evening except for a single unguarded observation. An unusual looking box of chocolates are remarked upon and this opens a veritable Pandora’s Box of secrets and lies.
It is difficult to say much more if I don’t want to give away any spoilers. Suffice to say the plot twists will make you gasp.
The acting, as usual, is spot on and the set by Gem Greaves is a beautiful Art Nouveau sitting room. John Bale’s costumes are lavish, especially Maud’s turbaned concoction.
Dangerous Corner runs at The Little Theatre until Saturday 4th May
Pics: Poyner & Mee
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