Double Death: Civic Theatre, Darlington

DESPITE the theatrical clichés – remote Victorian house near a Cornish cliff top, thunder storm and power blackouts  – this psychological thriller holds audience attention up to the somewhat contrived climax.

More intriguing than gripping, the plot explores the darker side of being an identical twin and whether such a person can truly have an individual identity, with dialogue that constantly throws up references to famous historical, biblical and literary twins as the backdrop to bitter rivalry between a modern day pair of brothers engaged in a contest for the survival of the fittest.

Tom Butcher exudes angst and anger as Max, defying a court restraining order to stay away from his sibling. As the paraplegic twin, Ash, arriving home from hospital in a wheelchair, Butch Metro (Tom Butcher) is softer in manner but with a sense of mounting alarm that raises doubts about his sanity.

Simon Williams’ well-crafted play employs such devices as intercom systems allowing one brother to be heard while the other is on stage and a lift with its own generator and illuminated floor lights that add to the suspense.

Judy Buxton, as the aunt who brought up the twins, alternates ripe contemporary turns of phrase with poetic quotations from Shakespeare and provides comic relief.

Brian Capron keeps his cool as DI Kershaw, unlike Kim Tiddy’s frosty Nurse Malahide who suddenly displays hot-blooded hopes.

Pru Farrier