In this reverse whodunnit, the Sheffield University Theatre Company performed a suspenseful play, where the killers of the story are revealed from the beginning of the piece. The play Rope, written by Patrick Hamilton, builds anticipation reaching a fulfilling climax at the end of the performance, accessible and enjoyable to all audiences.
Set in a Mayfair house in London in the 1920s, the plot revolves around two characters, Wyndham Brandon and Charles Granillo, dealing with the aftermath of committing a murder. They then turn to hide the body of Ronald Raglan within a chest, where they proceed to host a party for the victim’s family and friends, serving food to their unsuspecting guests upon the chest in which the body is hidden. The contrasting characteristics of Brandon’s and Granillo’s characters, alongside the differences between these characters and the rest of the cast, creates an interesting dynamic where the friction between characters only adds to the suspense and tension of the play.
The cast of the performance excellently created the suspenseful atmosphere, whilst also occasionally relieving this tension in a comedic manner without distorting the pace or plot. The cast clearly knew how to express a varied range of emotions suiting the circumstances and scenarios of each scene, maintaining moments of anger and fear enticing the audience. Not only was the acting and directing excellent, the lighting and sound design only helped to further establish the suspenseful atmosphere. Alongside this, the costume and props team effectively created a naturalistic set, aligning with a typical 1920s environment.
Overall, with the excellent acting, set, costume and props used within the performance, it was engaging throughout, creating a great atmosphere and an enjoyable experience for the audience. Telling a unique story in the style of a backwards whodunnit, you should definitely see this play whilst you still can.
Sutco’s ‘Rope’ is playing at the Drama Studio from 8th-11th March. Tickets available here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/sheffield-university-theatre-company.
