Review: Jamaica Inn at Windsor's Theatre Royal

4 stars, June 26-30. Victoria Chapman reviews Jamaica Inn, a must-see for those thrilled by horror and suspense.

×

Expand

A story renowned across Britain, Lisa Evan's stage adaptation of the Jamaica Inn – based on Daphne du Maurier's novel and inspired by the Hitchcock classic – keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout.

Following her mother's death, Mary Yellan (Megan Cooper) fulfils her mother's dying wish for her to live with her Aunt Patience and Uncle Joss, in the secluded and desolate Jamaica Inn on the Bodmin Moors, neighbouring the Cornish Coast. The first scene is rather exhaustive, emphasising the character development of the violent uncle and his submissive, emotionally charged wife. Thankfully, the pace quickly picks up and you soon become transfixed.

As time progresses, Mary becomes submerged into something bigger than she ever imagined: hooded figures and mysterious wagons at the dead of night intrigue her, and as her curiosity develops, so does her vulnerability. She doesn't know who to trust or who to turn to until she stumbles upon the generous Vicar Francis Davey whom she entrusts to protect her. The relationship development between Mary and Joss' suspicious brother Jem Merlyn (Joseph Clowser), leaves you longing for Mary's safety as she finds herself alone on the moors.

×

Expand

Megan Cooper's performance was satisfactory but she was outshone by fellow actors, particularly Jonathan Ray as Francis Davey who was truly spectacular and wonderfully cast.  The quality of performances from actors such as Christopher Lyne and Joseph Clowser emphasised Cooper's difficulty in gaining the audience's emotional investment in her character. 

The acting is beautifully complimented by the music, which successfully builds tension as the plot thickens nearing the end of the play. Matthew Bugg's composition is excellent, subconsciously immersing you into the plot and catching you by surprise just when you think you're prepared for the next jump-scare.  The use of narrative through song, particularly Bridget Lambert's stunning vocals as she narrates the story acoustically, worked well in keeping the audience informed on the ongoing plot. 

The show captivates you with its ironic, yet compelling combination of humour and suspense; you never know when you'll be scared or amused.  There are small details which implicate certain characters, and are relevant to the dark events of Jamaica Inn later on in the play – so keep your eyes peeled!

"Work where you play with life and death," Joss Merlyn tells his niece Mary Yellan on her arrival. You can never anticipate what will happen next at the Jamaica Inn.  Who will perish and who will escape in the fight for survival?

http://www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk/details.php?id=662

• Check out Theatre/Arts Section for more great local theatre news, reviews and interviews
• You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates on all our latest articles
• Sign up to our Weekly Newsletter for exclusive competitions, offers and stories
• Looking to advertise your business in Surrey or SW London? Check out our 11 different lifestyle magazines with a combined monthly distribution of over 210,000 AB1 homes