Fatal Attraction
Theatre Royal Brighton
18-22 January 2022
by James Dearden
Directed by Loveday Ingram
Based on the Paramount Pictures Corporation picture
Every so often a film, a book, or a song becomes the talk of the people: a must see, must read, must hear legendary piece of entertainment. Almost always a similar theme is in evidence: sex. And more often than not, illicit sex (at the time). Think ‘Women in Love’, ’Lady Chatterley’s Lover’, ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’, ‘Je T’aime, Moi Non Plus’ and ……. ‘Fatal Attraction’.
The original iconic ‘Fatal Attraction’ motion picture screened in 1987 was nothing short of a shocking stunner to we unsuspecting cinema goers, not simply because of its explicit sex scenes and the incipient menace arising from psychotic obsession, but it will forever be remembered for two horrific unexpected scenes in the film: one around two thirds in and the other at the end. In the unlikely case that anyone reading this has not seen the film, then I will not be issuing any spoilers here.
Generally I get slightly nervy when British actors are required to play their parts with American accents. It can all go so squirmingly wrong, sometimes with even some of those most seasoned performers, however the leads here Oliver Farnworth (as Dan) and Kym Marsh (Alex) were totally credible, and obviously well-rehearsed by their voice coach. In fact close your eyes and it was almost as though Michael Douglas was on the stage, such was Oliver Farnworth’s brilliant representation.
Before the play began I wondered how the set would work, it was not what I was expecting; a stark backdrop of squares and rectangles separated by dark struts …. and nothing more. However it soon became apparent how skilfully it was to be utilised. Various areas were lit and unlit, some of the lower screens slid open to push out and pull in items of furniture, and served as entrances and exits and ‘background’ comings and goings. Also it should be remembered that in 1987 the mobile ‘phone and the laptop were not around – difficult to imagine now – and so this production employed some nifty techniques to bring it up to date. Here the set was used to produce great visual effects when the many ‘phone calls between all the parties needed to take place.
I’m thinking there couldn’t have been many in the audience who had not seen the original picture, and it was pretty clear that we all knew the story and what to expect. However, that did not detract at all from the huge frisson and anticipation we experienced at every step. When Beth (ably played by Susie Amy, who made the most of her less-than-meaty part) first mentioned the word ‘rabbit’, an audible ‘Noooooo!’ rippled through the auditorium. Likewise when Alex’s behaviour became increasingly delusional and frighteningly obsessive, we were knowingly willing to join the rollercoaster headlong towards the inevitable dénouement that was about to follow.
Oliver Farnworth’s performance is outstanding and he takes on the role as Dan with immense confidence and conviction. Kym Marsh is convincing as the appallingly delusional Alex, her strengths lying in the scenes where she is in over-the-top crazy lady mode, screaming, threatening, fighting.
I loved John Macaulay as Dan’s supportive friend and confidante, Jimmy, and Anita Booth as Joan, Beth’s mother delivered a strongly sympathetic performance.
The ending of the play was not the same as the film, this has to be said, and I’m not sure that it worked that well for me, however this production is hugely gripping and will have you on the edge of your seat – probably inwardly shouting ‘No, don’t do it!!’ Whether you’ve seen the film or not, it remains an incredibly compelling watch.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reviewer: Gill Ranson
2 hours 20 minutes including interval
Touring