So many twists in murder thriller

The Kenilworth-based team’s production of Richard Harris’ The Business of Murder, which director Mick Ives describes as a “taut, psychological thriller” with “more twists and turns than a theme-park ride”, begins on Monday.

The play works around a complex interlocking threesome - Dee, a successful playwright, Hallett, a detective, and the “rather prissy” Stone.

Dee arrives at Stone’s flat, having accepted an invitation to discuss a script Stone’s ‘wife’ has written.

She is rather surprised when Hallett, with whom she is having an affair, also arrives, apparently to investigate the involvement of Stone’s ‘son’ with a drugs ring.

Stone’s intentions become clearer as he reveals the precise nature of the trio’s relationship.

They are all involved in ‘the business of murder’ and the play culminates in another perpetration of this crime.

The show features a set design by local artist John Ellan and a cast including Talisman stalwarts as well as newcomers Edward Gildea and Michelle Palmer, who travelled across the Atlantic to assume her role at the Barrow Road theatre.

Mick, who also directed another Harris favourite, Outside Edge, said he has “relished the challenge of bringing out the drama and tension from this crisply-written piece”.

The Business of Murder runs from Monday to Saturday February 12 at 7.30pm.

For tickets, call 856548.