Was this Houdini’s greatest escape?

Newbury favourites New Old Friends, who brought you Crimes on Centre Court, Crimes Camera Action and Crimes in Egypt, returned to the Corn Exchange with their new show Houdini’s Greatest Escape...

New Old Friends: Houdini’s Greatest Escape, at The Corn Exchange, on Thursday, March 14

Review by ROBIN STRAPP

NEW Old Friends latest journey into the world of crime is Houdini’s Greatest Escape.

A fast-paced madcap adventure as the world famous escapologist and magician is framed of committing a robbery and he must flee with his wife Bess in order to clear his name.

Wittily written by Feargus Woods Dunlop, who also directs, this comedy in the style of 39 Steps, was filled with physical knockabout inventiveness.

There were many cleverly-executed magic tricks that had the audience enthralled, thanks to the advice from magician Pete Firman as consultant.

Ben Higgins as Harry Houdini played the role with swagger – a true showman, be that escaping from handcuffs or running for his life. His devoted wife Bess, impressively played by Lydia Piechowiak, was always by his side, supporting him as the police chased them throughout the country.

They even joined a travelling circus with a crazy ringmaster to avoid capture.

Kirsty Cox multi-roled a variety of characters, from police officers to the medium Agatha, in a striking performance.

Spiritualism was exceedingly popular in the 1900s, although Houdini was opposed to the claims of the spiritualists to be able contact the ‘afterlife’ and tried to expose them as frauds.

Among others, Kirsty also farcically played both a circus clown and an elephant simultaneously and a menacing Ma Barker.

Playing 11 characters, Adam Elliott was simply outstanding. His quick changes and use of accents were a marvel to watch.

At one hilarious point he seamlessly played so many Scottish characters in a whirlwind skit, but it did unfortunately become a little repetitive.

He was equally at ease in both male and female characters.

The play was filled with wonderful one-liners, including some made famous by Ronnie Barker.

Caitlan Abbott’s multi-layered set cleverly suggests the hey days of music hall with trucks that are skilfully moved by the company to become trains, Scottish cottages and police stations all created with stylish flair.

You had to admire the dexterity of the four-strong cast as the audience tried to solve the ‘whodunnit’ in this highly entertaining production.