Written by Tom Holloway. Adapted from the Novella by James McCain. Directed by Sam Strong. MTC. Playhouse Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne. May 30 - July 2, 2016.
Despite the disclosure on all advertising that this is NOT based on Billy Wilder’s 1944 film noir, the audience (and, seemingly, some of the critics) are clearly being influenced by the film. Don’t be. This is not a send-up or an homage, it’s a play, adapted from a book, and it deserves to be seen as such.
The plot is still basic – a jaded insurance salesman falls for a femme fatale and together they plot to kill her husband by an “accident” which pays double reward, but who is playing whom?