Murder For Two – The MAC (Belcast) – Review
by Cathy Brown

Murder For Two, A Co-Production by Bruiser Theatre Company and The MAC Belfast
Dates: 24 Apr – 11 May 2025

Murder for Two, a co-production by Bruiser Theatre Company and The MAC, Belfast, is a whirlwind of a show, blending murder mystery, slapstick humour, and musical brilliance to create an unforgettable production. Bruiser have built a strong reputation as Ireland’s premier physical theatre company, and Murder For Two is the perfect showcase for their dynamic blend of movement, characterisation and laughs.

This two-actor, 90-minute spectacle, written by Joe Kinosian and Kellen Blair, demands impressive performances, and Rob Gathercole and Will Arundell deliver with infectious zeal. The premise is delightfully ridiculous: when novelist Arthur Whitney is found dead at his surprise 80th birthday party, wannabe detective Officer Marcus Moscowicz (Gathercole) steps in to solve the crime before the real detectives arrive.

Gathercole shines as the earnest Officer Marcus Moscowicz, a small-town cop desperate to crack the case of novelist Arthur Whitney’s murder, while Arundell dazzles, seamlessly embodying ten eccentric suspects—from a flamboyant widow to a Russian ballerina and even a choir of schoolboys—his rapid-fire character switches using just a single prop for each and a physicality that borders on the acrobatic.

The duo’s chemistry is electric, with Gathercole’s grounded, amusing Marcus anchoring Arundell’s rapid-fire mix of eccentric characters. Their seamless interplay, coupled with impressive, synchronized piano-playing and great singing voices, creates a theatrical feat that feels like a full ensemble cast.

Director Lisa May amplifies Bruiser’s signature high-octane style, blending Broadway-inspired musical numbers with clever wordplay and meta-theatrical nods. The play takes a while to get up to speed, but once the characters have been established, it barrels along at an enjoyable rate. Stuart Marshall’s set—a single room featuring some books, a coat stand, and a baby grand piano—builds on Bruiser’s usual minimal set design without overwhelming the action, while precise and often hilarious lighting and sound cues elevate the chaos into a polished event. Occasionally, some of the jokes feel a little stale, but the energy of the two actors, some show-stopping songs, local references and audience participation keep the action fresh.

The show’s pacing is relentless, occasionally bordering on overwhelming, but the actors’ stamina and commitment keep the audience on board. While the murder mystery plot is secondary to the comedy, it resolves satisfyingly, but that is almost beside the point. The success of a show like this rests solely on the skills of the two actors, and Arundell and Gathercole perform with talent, skill and ease, making for a joyful 90 minutes of pure theatrical magic.

In Bruiser’s hands, Murder for Two is a triumph of inventiveness and escapism, showcasing their knack for turning minimal resources into maximum results. I haven’t had this much fun at the theatre in a long time, and this production is a must-see for fans of musical theatre, cosy crime, or anyone craving a night of side-splitting silliness.