Tryst, Chiswick Playhouse - ★★★★ - Until February 29, 2020

Photograph © Savannah Photographic.

Tryst promises to be a thriller and it certainly succeeds. The audience is intrigued from the moment we meet cad/con man, George Love (Fred Perry) and naïve shop girl/potential victim, Adelaide Pinchin (Scarlett Brookes). George marries women, steals their savings and then abandons them. Adelaide is an innocent young woman who meets all his criteria for being a mark. Is this all going to end as we suspect and dread, or will the story take an unexpected turn? Be prepared for more than one twist as the game unfolds. At one point, George tells us that there are two kinds of people in the world "the takers" and "the took." But perhaps, the division is actually between those who are irreparably damaged and those who can redeem themselves or be redeemed by others. This question keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. Fred Perry does a wonderful job as the sly, despicable, but possibly vulnerable manipulator. Scarlett Brookes is quite perfect as his shy, gullible, but possibly table-turning spinster. It is a familiar story but it is made utterly compelling because of Karoline Leach's taut script, Phoebe Barran's deft direction and two outstanding performances. Don't miss this well constructed, beautifully acted game of cat and mouse!

 Reviewed by J.C.

  Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆ 

 WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until February 29, 2020
Mon - Sat: 7:30 pm
Chiswick Playhouse
Nearest tube: Turnham Green
https://www.chiswickplayhouse.co.uk/whats-on/tryst-2/
Map & Location: 2 Bath Rd, Chiswick, London W4 1LW, UK

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