Ian Rankin’s Rebus novels have dominated the detective fiction market for some time, and now with the excellent award-winning playwright Rona Munro and Rankin have created Rebus onstage.

© Robert Day
Detective Inspector John Rebus is retired but the shadows of his former life still follow him through the streets of Edinburgh.
Whisky helped, but now he’s denying himself that pleasure. When the daughter of a murder victim appears outside his flat, he’s back on the case and off the wagon.
This is a strong piece of theatre; the dialogue despite lengthy duologues is alive and pacy. The world of Rebus appears to have been created with ease and integrity which allows for good entertainment.

© Robert Day
The cast is unsurprisingly stellar with Ron Donache breathing life into Rebus, his laconic humour and unorthodox methods of detective work pervade the story.
Whilst Cathy Tyson (Siobhan) struggles to keep tabs on Rebus, she is a fiery confident woman hugely successful and determined to see justice is done.
John Stahl (Big Ger) is a perfect looming, passive aggressive villain. Dani Heron and Eleanor House are strong in supporting roles whilst all characters are well crafted and even the multi role playing of Neil Mckinven is the result of quality performances and writing.

© Robert Day
Directed by Robin Lefevre; with a versatile design from Ti Green atmospherically lit by Chahine Yavroyan and Simon Bond this is a good production.
If you are a fan of Rebus then you would not be disappointed. If you are new to Rankin’s excellent Scottish detective then it will no doubt lead you straight to a good book shop.
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Reviewer: Petra Schofield
Rebus: Long Shadows, by Ian Rankin, adapted by Rona Munro and directed by Robin Lefevre, is showing at the Theatre Royal in Bath until Saturday 9th March 2019.
For more information, and tickets, visit the Theatre Royal website.