Home invasions and darkness are two of our most primal fears – and excellent ingredients for a great thriller, as Frederick Knott succinctly proves in his play Wait Until Dark.
Famously adapted for the screen in 1967 with Audrey Hepburn, the plot is fast-paced (and somewhat convoluted), culminating in criminals Mike (Chris Polick) and Croker (Simon Lloyd) intimidating blind housewife Susy Henderson (Hannah Brackstone-Brown) for some loot hidden in a doll she has in her possession. The crooks seemingly have Susy at their mercy, before realizing they’re in for more than they bargained for with their resourceful opponent, who may be terrified, but refuses to be a victim.
Now on his third Frederick Knott production, director Philip Dart masterfully plays with the audience; one highlight is a scene in total darkness, leaving the audience as helpless as Susy Henderson herself. Out of an impressive cast, Zoë Thorne stands out as little Gloria from next door, embodying a stroppy preteen so perfectly you could easily forget she is in her 30s.
Through Dec 22 except Sun, 19:30, Vienna’s English Theatre. englishtheatre.at
