Review: Switzerland - Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds

Review by Ray Tempesta

The secluded existence of author Patricia Highsmith (Catherine Russell) is interrupted by a young employee of her publisher, Edward Ridgeway (Jamie Sayers), who is sent to the Swiss Alps to convince her to produce one last Ripley novel.

This tense, psychological drama from Joanna Murray-Smith had me hooked from the very start, as it jumped headlong into the story, opening with pacey exchanges between Russell and Sayers, enhanced by a plethora of pithy put-downs from the cantankerous author. In amongst the lighter exchanges, there were plenty of subtle moments of foreshadowing, hinting at the disquieting events to follow.

Russell was exceptional as Patricia Highsmith, the seemingly unrelentingly hate-filled author, and every one of her lines, no matter how shocking, was delivered with unflinching conviction. Such was her charisma, I wasn't quite sure whether we were supposed to like the character or not. Sayers was equally brilliant as Edward Ridgeway, assured, calm, and collected throughout. His ice-cool portrayal throughout was exemplary, and inadvertently enhanced by him bearing more than a passing resemblance to Patrick Bateman from American Psycho.

Photo credit: Fourth Wall Photography

Of course casting two particularly fine actors doesn't do any harm, but just as fundamental to the success of this production was the strength of the direction from Owen Calvert-Lyons. Whether it was the subtle changes of pace to the dialogue delivery, or having the confidence to allow the story to stew in its meaningful silences, every action (or inaction) felt carefully curated. Also aiding the production significantly was Richard Kent's wonderfully stylish set, which makes an instant impact as you're greeted by the sight of it upon entering the auditorium.

Following beautifully in the footsteps of the Theatre's previous successful endeavours to stage in Suffolk some of the best plays of the last ten years, Switzerland is an extremely dramatic and enjoyable production that'll keep you guessing throughout. Don't miss it.

Switzerland continues at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds until 24 October.