The Edge of Darkness
Tyldesley Little Theatre
Until Saturday

BILLED as a Thriller, the Brian Clemens play certainly lives up to such advertising as the audience are kept on the edge of their seats as every twist and turn of the story unfolds.

Maid Penny, played with ease by Rhiannon Williams, prepares the house ready for the arrival of the new owners little knowing a dark secret lies behind the move. Connor Parkinson turns in a strong performance as Hardy the Butler. This was a convincing characterisation by this young actor who is developing his acting skills well.

The arrival of Max and Laura Cramwell along with their daughter Emma seems as normal as ever but it isn't long before the cracks begin to show. Alex Clarke as Max gives a genuine touch as the doting father as he makes a fuss over his daughter who has been missing for three years, while Karen Ward as Laura is simply stunning as she displays the distraught mother who is relieved to have her daughter back home — or is she? This was a performance played with emotion and pathos.

As Hardy and Penny fuss around Emma it is clear that Hardy is almost playing detective as he appears to be on to something. The arrival of Livago, the alleged husband of Emma, sets the action up a notch as he is dealt with by Max and Laura. Ian Taylor plays Livago with the necessary arrogance which leaves him in deep water — literally.

This story revolves around Emma who, due to a bout of amnesia doesn't remember the childhood her parent keep reminding her of (maybe she has good reason for that?) however, the portrayal of this character by Alana Howarth-Lees was believable, convincing and thorough.

Ian Taylor has presented a thriller that not only does just that, but shows off a vast amount of talent from a cast who know how to work together to present drama at its best.

By Paul Cohen