Perhaps best known from the 1944 Billy Wilder film of the same name, Double Indemnity now reaches the stage of Richmond Theatre as part of a tour of the UK and Ireland.
In this new adaptation by Tom Holloway, Mischa Barton plays the role of Phyllis, the femme fatale who seeks an accomplice to remove her husband from her life so she can collect on the insurance.
Helen Cox went along to check out this noir classic for us.
Double Indemnity is an adaptation of a crime novel, written by James M Cain, loosely based on real events. In this production, Hollywood actress Mischa Barton, star of The OC, makes her UK stage debut.
Director Oscar Toeman’s show is stylish and atmospheric, taking a minimalistic approach to props and adopting an industrial-style set design (by Ti Green).
The lighting (designed by Joshua Gadsby) remains dim throughout, with constant smoke, creating a moody atmosphere befitting its film noir pedigree.
In the first act, the chemistry is developed between the two main characters. Phyllis Nirdlinger (Barton) and Walter Hoff (Ciaran Owens), as they plot to murder Phyllis’s unsuspecting husband (Oliver Ryan).
The Double Indemnity of the title relates to the megabucks insurance payout, which would happen if the insured person died due to specific accidental causes, rather than natural causes or illness.
As Phyllis and Walter plot, their target remains oblivious to their duplicity, deception, and greed.
In the second act, the plot thickens as Phyllis and Walter’s lives intertwine. Barton’s performance is measured and cool, and the supporting cast is very strong, including Martin Marquez (Keyes), Gillian Saker (Nettie and others), Joseph Langdon, and Sophia Roberts.
Double Indemnity is a tale of lust, deception, and greed with a finale that I didn’t expect. Although it took a while to warm up in Act One, the action definitely ramps up in Act Two.
A very enjoyable evening. I give this 4 stars.
Double Indemnity is at Richmond Theatre until 7 Mar, then continues on tour until its final stop in Cardiff on the 9 May. Details of the tour here.
Photo credit: Manuel Harlan