BILL Kenwright has brought one of the most engrossing thrillers I’ve seen to Darlington Hippodrome. The twists and turns during Catch Me If You Can kept me completely captivated throughout. With so many red herrings, it kept my brain working hard trying to decide what the conclusion would be.
Set in the mid-60s in the living room of the remote Catskill Mountains, designed by Julie Godfrey. The newly wed Daniel and Elizabeth, should be enjoying their honeymoon. Instead, Daniel Corban, Patrick Duffy, is waiting for the return of his wife Elizabeth, who he has reported her as missing. Inspector Lavine, Gray O’Brien, is investigating the disappearance. Father Kelleher, Ben Nealon, turns up with Elizabeth, Linda Purl, which starts many extraordinary events as Daniel believes Elizabeth is an imposter and not his recently married wife, but the evidence shows otherwise. Who is telling the truth? With the arrivals of Sidney, Hugh Futcher, Everett Parker, Paul Lavers and Mrs Parker, Chloe Zeitounian, the surprises and shocks for Daniel keep coming.
The pace is steady up until the final conclusion. Patrick Duffy, well known for his iconic role as Bobby Ewing in Dallas, shows what a talent he is. He quietly commands the stage showing a range of emotions. Gary O’Brien is always there when he is needed, but doesn’t appear to give support to Daniel. Linda Purl brilliantly makes you change your mind about who she actually is. Ben Nealon is probably my favourite character, in a style of Father Ted – a priest with attitude.
The standing ovation was well deserved. This is a thriller you must see.
Runs until Saturday 19th March.
