Written in the early 1960s, based on the French play “Trap for a Lonely Man” by Robert Thomas, this play certainly reflects attitudes of the time and is full of sexist misogynistic dialogue in the midst of a clever thriller with a super twist.
Patrick Duffy as Daniel Corban and Linda Purl as Elizabeth Corban in Catch Me If You Can | Photo © Jack Merriman
The plot revolves around Daniel Corban (Patrick Duffy) and Inspector Levine (Gray O’Brien) as Corban’s wife has gone missing.
However, Elizabeth Corban (Linda Purl) turns up. The problem being Daniel maintains she is an imposter.
On cue, on come Father Kelleher (Ben Nealon) Sidney (Hugh Futcher), Everett Parker (Paul Lavers) and his wife Mrs Parker (Chloe Zeitounian).
The web of confusion and deceit surrounds Daniel as he is accused of having poor mental health which is why he does not know his own wife. No spoilers, but the twists and turns are clever and keep you guessing.
The design by Julie Godfrey appears to be lifted from a 60s TV sitcom and the strange imbalance of sound with the use of a head mike for Patrick Duffy almost reinforces this. Despite his character being accused of shouting by other characters.
The cast works well together although at times the pace is laboured and the irksome script regarding women that Levine is mainly saddled with is very much of its time.
The repetitive nature of remarks hangs heavily but still raises humour from some in the audience.
The fairly full house clearly enjoyed the production which runs until Saturday.
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Reviewer: Petra Schofield
Catch Me If You Can is showing at the Theatre Royal in Bath until Saturday 21st May 2022.
