A fast-paced plot with plenty of twists and turns. Linda Heffernan gives The Lady Vanishes 4 STARS...
OUR VERDICT
Achtung! Avalanche! Cried the trainmaster as we are immediately swept up into the chaos and confusion unfolding in an Austrian train station in the opening scene of The Lady Vanishes. As the stranded train travellers step forward to inquire about the delay in service, we are given a comprehensive introduction to the play’s many colourful characters, all wrapped up in an impactful and powerful start to this wonderful comedy-thriller.
English tourist Iris Henderson is returning to Britain to marry her blue-blood fiancé, but an unexpected avalanche has blocked the railway line delaying all passengers. While waiting for the train tracks to be cleared, Iris meets Ms Froy, a genteel former governess. When it’s finally time to reboard the train, Iris is accidentally hit on the head by a pair of skis apparently aimed at Ms Froy. Ms Froy kindly helps Iris onto the train and invites her for a cup of Harriman's Herbal Tea, a favourite brand of tea that Ms Froy personally carries with her. She gives a tea bag to the dining car attendant and requests a pot of it for her and Iris. After finishing the tea, Iris returns to their seating compartment but Ms Froy never returns. She appears to have vanished into thin air. To add to the mystery, the other train passengers pretend not to have remembered ever meeting her. Determined to prove she is not going mad, Iris Henderson enlists the help of fellow English passenger, Max, to try and find the kindly governess. An accidentally discarded wrapper of Harriman's Herbal Tea convinces Max that there are sinister forces at play and they must hurry if they are to find Ms Froy and save her from harm.
Thankfully the play stays true to form to the original train-thriller formula made popular in the 1930s. In The Lady Vanishes, we have an innocent woman thrust into a nightmare scenario full of intrigue and supported by strong characters, with superb acting from the entire cast.
Despite the impactful first scene, the play waned a bit at the end of the first act. However, the second half was very entertaining and it had a strong finish. There was no nodding off during this production. The shrill trainmaster’s whistle, startling gunfire, swashbuckling fencing duel, frantic shouting and general panic and confusion amongst the train passengers help to create plenty of suspense and drama in this fast-paced thriller.
Judging by those in attendance, the play clearly appeals to a more mature theatregoer, those most likely familiar with the exciting mystery/thriller plots of Alfred Hitchcock or Agatha Christie. If a fast-paced plot with plenty of twists and turns including a few red herrings, humorous stereotypical characters and lots of laughs is your cup of tea, then come along for a guaranteed enjoyable evening out.
Venue: Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford
Dates: 12 February - 16 February, 7.45 pm
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