Gripping story of lust, murder, and betrayal

REVIEW: 'Double Indemnity' at New Theatre, Cardiff

A classic dark tale of lust, murder, and betrayal is brought to the stage in a new production at the New Theatre this week.

Double Indemnity, written by Tom Holloway, is based on the James M. Cain novel and the renowned 1944 movie by Billy Wilder and Raymond Chandler, which starred Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray.

This adaptation, which is ending its long UK tour in Cardiff, marks the UK stage debut of Mischa Barton (who shot to stardom in TV's The OC), and it does a great job of transferring the story to a new medium.

Against the backdrop of the Great Depression in 1930s Los Angeles, Walter Huff, a sharp-eyed, sharp-suited insurance salesman, falls for Phyllis Nirdlinger (Barton), the beautiful wife of a wealthy businessman.

Drawn together by lust and greed, Phyllis and Walter hatch a plan to murder the husband, cash in the insurance, and run away together.

But can they trust each other? And can they outwit Walter's bosses, who can't afford to pay out and are desperate to prove this death was no accident?

Mischa Barton may be the biggest name, and she commands the audience's attention as the ultra-glamorous Phyllis, but Ciaran Owens as Walter has the central role and is barely off stage for the entire two hours.

He's far from a hero, but he is the character we are most invested in. This is his story, and he frequently breaks the fourth wall to tell it - sometimes with seemingly unnecessary levels of exposition.

Both deliver excellent performances, under the direction of Oscar Toeman, as do the supporting cast: Martin Marquez (as Keyes), Gillian Saker (Nettie), Sophia Roberts (Lola), Oliver Ryan (Nirdlinger), Joseph Langdon (Norton), Simon Victor, Estelle Cousins, and Patrick Fleming.

It's a gripping story, expertly told, in a stark, monochrome set, reflecting its film noir heritage.

If you're familiar with the tale, you'll enjoy seeing how this new version presents it. And if you're not, then you're in for a treat, as you watch the audacious murder plot planned, enacted, and then unravel. Because "Murder doesn't end with the murder".

Double Indemnity is at the New Theatre until Saturday (9 May). You can book tickets online here or by calling the box office on 0343 310 0041.

Review by Andy Weltch

Photos by Manuel Harlan

We received free tickets for this performance in exchange for an honest review