West Briton Review

The Case Of  The Frightened Lady Miracle Theatre Burrell Theatre, Truro

Review by Alison Barlow

TO CELEBRATE its 35th anniversary, Miracle is revisiting one of its biggest hits. And it’s easy to see why this comedy whodunit was so popular when it was first staged in 2005 – it’s just such fun from start to finish.

Set in 1932, it opens with Fleet Street editor and bestselling author Edgar Wallace receiving a call from his publisher saying his next manuscript is due the following day. As the real-life Wallace was known for making up his stories as he went along and sometimes even turning out a book in a weekend, this play imagines the processes he might have used to write a crime novel at such speed.

Leaping into action, he calls on his wife, new secretary, butler and gardener to help him come up with a script – and fast.

The Wallace household flit between reality and fiction as they invent storylines and characters, devise dialogue and argue over who actually done it. There’s lots of physical comedy, clever use of props, witty one-liners and amusing songs as we get ever closer to finding out why the lady is so frightened – and the identity of the red scarf strangler.

The charming and inventive show has great pace and gives the cast – Tom Adams, Jo Bowis, Benjamin Dyson, Rosie Hughes and Dominic Power – a chance to showcase their acting, comedy and musical talents.

The Case Of The Frightened Lady is one I’m glad has been reopened.

You can see the show at The Minack, Porthcurno, from June 23 to 27 and Penzance’s Penlee Park on June 28.