The Ladykillers

Harbour Theatre’s The Ladykillers is a comedic thriller of sorts. Featuring one of the sweetest heroines of the year, this is a story full of hijinks that keeps its audience entertained throughout.

When Mrs Wilberforce takes on a new lodger, she is unwittingly drawn into the machinations of a crime gang. When she seems to know too much, they decide that she must be eliminated.

The setting is the railway side London home of central character Mrs Wilberforce, and it is beautifully recreated in a multi-level set, that is decorated with lovely attention-to-detail. A very complex design for a company that bumps into its performance space very shortly before opening night, this is one of the more complex sets we have seen in this venue, and it is used to great effect. Lit to great effect by Rob Tagliaferri, the show features a clever sound design, integral to the plot, designed by Vanessa Gudgeon.

Shirley Toohey is a joy to watch in the central role, with a character that is seriously flawed but completely adorable and believable, and working as the lynchpin for the rest of the ensemble. An excellent performance. Her nefarious boarder is Alan Kennedy, very convincing as Professor Marcus who claims to lead an amateur string ensemble.

Great teamwork from the criminals, with Tom Rees good fun as Major Courtney a bad guy with a penchant for cross-dressing and Peter Neaves strong as Harry Robinson, a tough guy from the wrong side of the tracks. Andrew O’Donnell makes a welcome return to the stage, delightful as the dim-witted big guy known as One Round, with Patrick Ragan nicely completing the gang as the sinister Louis Harvey.

Andy Markland offers solid support as long-suffering bobby, Constable Macdonald, with Del Edwards lovely in her brief appearance as Mrs Tromleyton. Great to see director Jo Sterkenberg and Stage Manager Grace Hitchin in clever but uncredited little cameos.

The Ladykillers is a good fun piece of theatre that is well-presented and easy to watch. A great choice for lovers of British comedy and those who enjoy a good crime or two.

Kimberley Shaw