Excellent. Buchan's classic spy tale with murders, chases, daring do and stiff-upper-lips. The play takes the essential elements of the book and the various films and presents them in an energetic and enjoyable fashion. Perhaps what is surprising is that the cast of such established actors produce something I've come to expect from a much younger cast.

     What a cast. Simon Ward who plays Richard Hannay has appeared in a few genre films starting with Hammer's Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed. Other films include Holocaust 2000, Supergirl, The Monster Club and a 1973 TV version of Dracula. George Sewell, (UFO, Dr. Who, The Detectives), reveals an impeccable sense of comic timing as Professor Blackstone and a selection of dastardly characters. Support came from Catherine Rabett, (once linked to Prince Andrew - I have a long memory) who worked with Kenny Everett and in films including Frankenstein Unbound and The Living Daylights. Some fine accents, Ms. Rabett. Though full credit must be given to Kern Falconer, who, as Mr. Memory and a handful of other parts, shows real star quality.

     One slight gripe was that my seat was to one side, (I booked late so it was my own fault), and so I could not appreciate the full adaptability of the stage set. This was a fifth actor, playing characters rather than portraying places.

     See this play if you get the chance.

Reviewed by Suzy Kuba.