The Other Side of Murder – Gaiety Theatre – Review
DATES: 13th Oct. – 17th Oct

Find out more about this production here.

Darius Divine (Rufus Hound) was once a successful television medium, a household name whose career seemed destined for lasting success. But the world has moved on, and his fortunes have taken a decidedly downward turn. That is, until an appearance on Celebrity Big Brother produces a viral moment and suddenly puts him back in the spotlight. Now, there is even talk of his own television show.

His wife and manager, Susannah (Carla Mendonça, with understudy Sarah Lawn), is at the heart of his career revival, while their previously troubled marriage appears to be patched back together. With a dinner party planned, Darius is preparing to entertain Susannah, his mother-in-law, Miriam (Susie Blake), and his estranged daughter, Jen (Beth Lilly). However, the evening takes an unexpected turn when his recent girlfriend, Laura (Aisha Jawando), arrives unannounced, bringing with her a few surprises that threaten to derail his carefully reconstructed life.

This is a new work by writer Torben Betts, whose previous plays include Murder at Midnight and Murder in the Dark. Given the word Murder in the title, audiences might reasonably anticipate a conventional whodunnit. However, this is far removed from a police procedural. Instead, the play leans towards farce, with Darius desperately attempting to conceal his girlfriend from the other characters, as events conspire to expose his precarious web of lies.

The set recreates the kitchen and dining room of Darius and Susannah’s home, presenting a comfortable middle-class interior complete with a Christmas tree and festive lights. It provides an appropriately domestic backdrop for the evening’s gathering.

This run in the Gaiety marks the only Irish dates on a 14-venue tour, which concludes next March in Coventry. The cast includes several familiar faces, even if they are not quite household names. Susie Blake, a regular on Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV, is particularly enjoyable as Miriam, the Gilbert and Sullivan-obsessed mother-in-law. Carla Mendonça is another recognisable face, thanks to her appearances in Coronation Street, although she was replaced by understudy Sarah Lawn on the night of this review.

The first act is relatively slow to get going, leaving you wondering how the various threads of the story will develop. The second act, however, gathers momentum, delivering a succession of plot twists and unexpected turns, leading to a relatively satisfying conclusion. There are some good gags, and the farce and high jinks are lively.

Ultimately, this is a production that aims at light-hearted entertainment. It makes few demands on the audience, and rarely taxes your grey matter. While the first half could benefit from a livelier pace, those seeking an undemanding and amusing evening at the theatre should find what they’re looking for.

Director Philip Franks,
Writer Torben Betts,
Designer Colin Falconer,
Lighting Designer Jason Taylor,
Sound Designer
Composer Max Pappenheim
Casting Director Emma Sylvester.