THE late Francis Durbridge was probably king of the TV thriller writers back in the 1970s and his work sits comfortably on the stage, as shown in The Gentle Hook.
An above average murder mystery that for once, thankfully, does not telegraph whodunnit - or, rather, who is going to do it or who has done what - it takes more twists than Chubby Checker trying to shake off itching powder.
A competent cast, that features Chris Ellison as a morose copper - what else? - includes another former actor from The Bill, Tony Scannell.
He Swiss Tony's his way through his oh so posh role with a dash of Leslie Phillips thrown in. Entertaining though all that is, some of his interplay with the excellent Deborah Grant jars, as he seems to be playing in a farce while she is emoting in a drama.
Another couple of television veterans, Gareth Hunt and Geoffrey Davies, provide solid support, ably assisted by Christopher Hackett, in a well-staged production. The plot - out of the Agatha Christie school of more genteel murder tales - is undemanding yet holds the attention as it heads towards its conclusion. The Gentle Hook runs at the Everyman until this Saturday.
Review by PETER McMILLAN
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