Belgrade Theatre review: Dead Lies

Dead Lies, Belgrade Theatre, until June 30

By Margaret Mather

This is billed as a political thriller and it doesn’t disappoint. Intrigue, sex, violence and greed shine through, just like a normal day at Number 10.

The story, written by bestselling crime writer Hilary Bonner, is intriguing and full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing to the end.

Peter George, played by Jeremy Edwards, portrays the role of a much- loved and soon to be voted in, leader of a new political party. One who will right all the wrongs, one who will tell only the truth, until a sordid sexual encounter in his youth threatens to undo all of his hard work.

Murder and mayhem follow with red herrings scattered everywhere, and it’s not until the end you discover the grisly truth.

The play at times falters as actors, trying to get all of their lines out, rush ahead, making words indistinguishable to the audience, leaving them to make their own mind up about the content. There is also a sound problem when actors turn away from the audience; it’s difficult to hear them speak.

Some parts are too long and although set in the present day, the political speeches were uninspired, trotting out all the well-worn rhetoric about pandemics, parties and Putin.

There were some light-hearted moments that raised a short-lived rumble of laughter from the audience.

Secrets, lies and shame abound in this play, making it a worthy present day political murder mystery.

Photo: Rhian Cox