By Tony Flood
Dangerous Obsession
Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne
From July 18th to July 27th, 2024
Intrigue and nail-biting suspense are provided by a talented cast of three in Dangerous Obsession, a psychological drama by master thriller writer N J Crisp.
When an unexpected, rather creepy, visitor calls at her stylish home, Sally Driscoll sends him away, assuming he is a salesman, but he returns and claims they have met before. She finds herself at a disadvantage, partly because she is wearing a revealing sarong after a swim in her pool, but the main reason for her discomfort is that she does not know what he wants.
The man says his name is John Barrett but she cannot remember him despite the fact he knows a lot about her.
Her husband, successful businessman Mark, eventually turns up and it appears that he is who Barrett really wants to see.
The initial chit-chat drags on too long before the script allows director Phil Stewart to quicken the pace and we eventually see Barrett as a major threat rather than a boring, unwanted guest seeking sympathy for his wife’s involvement in a fatal car crash.
It emerges that the mood-swinging, obsessed Barrett is about to reveal secrets that will wreck Mark and Sally’s seemingly perfect life.
All three characters reveal flaws and provide flashpoints in unexpected twists before a shock climax.
Toby Manley, who appeared on BBC’s Call The Midwife Christmas Special, brings out the aura of mystery that enables Barrett to keep us guessing about his intentions, but he could add more menace before resorting to blatant threats.
Pete Ashmore, whose television credits include Silent Witness and Holby City, and Lucy Jane Quinlan, are well cast as the husband and wife, who show a range of emotions as they are caught up in a tangle of lies. Playing the vulnerable Sally is in contrast to several of Lucy’s previous stage appearances in comedies and musicals.
The excellent set design of Andy Newell, costumes by Geoff Gilder, Douglas Morgan’s lighting design and sound design of Benji Clifford help create the right atmosphere for a tense, gripping drama.
Dangerous Obsession is the third of three plays brought to Devonshire Park Theatre by Phil And Ben Productions following Table Manners and Travels With My Aunt.
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Tony Flood spent most of his working life as a journalist, initially on local and regional papers and then on nationals. He was also editor of Football Monthly, Controller of Information at Sky Television and enjoyed a spell with The People before retiring in 2010.
He recalls: “My work as a showbiz and leisure writer, critic and editor saw me take on a variety of challenges - learning to dance with Strictly Come Dancing star Erin Boag, becoming a stand-up comedian and playing football with the late George Best and Bobby Moore in charity matches.
“Now I spend much of my time writing books, and theatre reviews and articles for online magazines Unknown Kent and Sussex and The Write Site. I recently retired from playing veterans football, having been one of the oldest - and slowest - players in the country!” Tony's first book was fantasy adventure SECRET POTION, which went to No. 1 in its Amazon category and has been recommended by other authors for Harry Potter fans of all ages.
His celebrity book, MY LIFE WITH THE STARS – SIZZLING SECRETS SPILLED! is full of anecdotes and revelations about showbiz and sports personalities, including Eric Morecambe, Elvis Presley, Kylie Minogue, George Best, Frank Sinatra, Joan Collins, Strictly Come Dancing stars, Muhammad Ali and Bobby Moore, with whom Tony worked.
The versatile Mr Flood then turned to writing in another genre with spicy crime thriller TRIPLE TEASE, endorsed by best-selling author Peter James, actor Brian Capron and The Sun newspaper's Stuart Pink. Following the success of TRIPLE TEASE, Tony wrote STITCH UP! – KILLER OR VICTIM? and FALL GUY.
In BEGGARS BELIEF compassionate copper DCI Harvey Livermore and his Major Crime Team are again trying to put a killer behind bars in a gripping, fast-moving story.
Tony has also co-written, with his wife Heather Flood, LAUGHS AND TEARS GALORE – STORIES AND POEMS WITH TWISTS!
Tony gives talks about the showbiz and sports stars featured in his celebrity book, as well as holding miniworkshops and giving advice on how would-be authors can write a successful book. Any groups wishing to contact him can email:
tflood04@yahoo.co.uk Tony is chairman of Anderida Writers of Eastbourne. The link for the Anderida website is:
www.anderidawriters.co.uk
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