“A taut, gripping whodunnit that brings Rebus thrillingly to life.”
Rebus: A Game Called Malice brings Ian Rankin’s legendary detective to the theatre, co-written by Rankin and Simon Reade. This stage production expertly blends suspense, drama, and character complexity, all set in an opulent Edinburgh mansion where a murder mystery dinner party becomes perilously real. Gray O’Brien embodies the grizzled Inspector John Rebus, guiding audiences through a tangled web of motives and secrets. The strong supporting cast—including Abigail Thaw as Stephanie Jeffries, Billy Hartman as Jack Fleming, Teresa Banham as Harriet Godwin, Neil McKinven as Paul Godwin, and Jade Kennedy as Candida Jones—injects layers of intrigue that keep viewers engrossed.
The writing, sharp and quick-paced, assumes some familiarity with Rebus’s world, rewarding longtime fans while maintaining enough tension to captivate newcomers. While Rebus takes on more of a narrative role, the ensemble cast shines, with each character well-rounded and compelling. Jade Kennedy’s portrayal of Candida is particularly memorable, her initial shallow façade masking a shrewd, complex interior that resonates, especially with younger audiences. Abigail Thaw’s Stephanie Jeffries shares an intriguing, though slightly underexplored, dynamic with Rebus that hints at richer undercurrents. Despite some areas that could have benefited from deeper exploration, the ensemble’s chemistry makes the production engaging and entertaining.
Visually, the production’s simplicity works in its favor. The single-room set, with two exits, enhances the tension, creating a claustrophobic environment that fits the whodunnit theme perfectly. This setup keeps the audience’s attention riveted to every movement and object, making each detail feel significant. The lighting design by Matthew Eagland deserves special mention for its dramatic transitions, especially the sudden plunges into darkness that shift the play from casual dinner banter to high-stakes mystery, making viewers sit up and take notice.
Overall, Rebus: A Game Called Malice is a gripping and well-crafted production that melds the talents of its cast and the writing prowess of Rankin and Reade. With compelling performances and thoughtful staging, it offers an experience that keeps audiences engaged from start to finish, making it a must-see for lovers of crime drama and theatre alike.