Review: No Way To Treat A Lady at the Landor Theatre

No Way To Treat A Lady 
Landor Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 24th January 2014

Based on William Goldman's best selling novel that became an Academy Award-winning movie, the Landor Theatre have staged No Way To Treat A Lady as their first production of 2014. The show is a musical delight and the Landor, a pub theatre in Clapham North, makes the perfect home for this revival.

No Way To Treat A Lady is about a publicity-crazed actor turned murderer who strikes up an odd friendship with the detective who persistently pursues him. The first act is more of a lighthearted musical comedy which is great fun, but I was worried that what should have a been an exciting thriller wasn't being taken seriously enough. However, the second act leads towards a terrific, nail-bitingly brilliant conclusion. Robert McWhir's direction builds up unbearable tension

The balance between lighthearted, fluffy humour and thrilling action is perfect and provides a wonderful theatrical experience. Douglas J. Cohen's score is lovely but occasionally repetitive. The music is delightful but several songs could be cut as the score eventually becomes slightly repetitive. 

The cast are great with Graham Mackay-Bruce and Simon Loughton giving strong performances as Morris Brummell (the detective) and Christopher "Kit" Gill (the murderer). Kelly Burke plays Sarah Stone (Morris's love interest) and whilst at times her vocals are a little weak her portrayal is utterly charming. The true star of the show is Judith Paris who effortlessly plays several characters showcasing huge versatility!

I haven't seen the film so can't compare this stage adaptation, but it seems a shame No Way To Treat A Lady hasn't been given a longer run.

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
andrew@westendframe.com

No Way To Treat A Lady runs at the Landor Theatre until Sunday 9th February 2014.
Box Office: 02077377276

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