Sleuth, a Tony Award-winning play in 1971 and then an acclaimed movie a year later starring Laurence Olivier and Michael Caine, remains one of the greatest psychological thrillers.
Anthony Shaffer’s cat-and-mouse masterpiece had the Devonshire Park Theatre audience enthralled on Monday’s opening night and is well worth seeing.
Todd Boyce
Coronation Street star Todd Boyce was indisposed on Monday so understudy Lee Peck stepped in to play the part of Andrew Wyke, a husband seeking revenge over his wife’s lover.
Peck, much younger than ageing detective novelist Andrew, coped very well, despite losing his false moustache! He proved an excellent sparring partner for Andrew’s young rival, Milo Tindle, superbly played by Neil McDermott of EastEnders fame.
Neil McDermott
The husband’s purpose for inviting Milo to his lavish country home in Wiltshire is to use gamesmanship to outwit and humiliate him. But he starts by pointing out that Milo’s plan to marry the unseen wife Marguerite will backfire because of her insatiable appetite for spending money.
He proposes that both men can make a lot of money if Milo pretends to break into his mansion and steal some jewels. Milo would be able to fence them, while Andrew could collect on the insurance. But it is a trap.
As the cunning plot unraveled many audience members were heard gasping in complete surprise, while those of us who had seen one of the two Sleuth films could enjoy reliving it.
Under the direction of Rachel Kavanaugh, the pace seldom slacked as a vicious verbal duel was interspersed with action. The tension was maintained and the tables turned with the arrival of Inspector Doppler.
Julie Godfrey provided an impressive set – the living room in Wyke’s house containing a large fireplace, leaded glass windows and a grand staircase. Our attention was also drawn to a life-sized doll in a sailor suit, Jolly Jack Tarr, who laughed at his master’s jokes. It was a pity that this ploy – and the jokes – was not used more often.
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
