Initiatives are what seem to happen at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, so the audience were not surprised to be handed the script of “Dangerous Corner” when they bought a programme, the only thing that it lacked were photographs of the performers — apart from that it seemed to have what was required of an information leaflet and enabled the audience to see what the director Laurie Sansom had done with the script. It was another J B Priestley play that awaited the audience and they wondered what the Yorkshire writer had in store for them this time. So what did they get?

A gun shot provides a microcosm of time in which events are analysed and investigated, this is what this intriguing play is about. The play revolves round Martin, a man whose suicide has affected those associated with him without them quite knowing how, until this moment in time gives the opportunity. A nice practical set designed by Jessica Curtis sets the scene — after dinner in the Caplan’s drawing room. A musical cigarette box opens the door to the truth as the seven characters come together. Dressed for today the characters start to question each other’s motives regarding a stolen cheque. Who saw Martin last? Dervla Kirwan, Jacqueline Pearce, Rupert Penry-Jones, Patrick Robinson, Steve John Shepherd, Anna Wilson-Jones and Katie Foster-Barnes are the actors who drive this play along through its revelations, which then allow life to carry on as normal. Does anyone tell the truth?

Does the plot work? maybe not, but it gives an evening’s entertainment, which is what theatre is all about. © BA

“Dangerous Corner” is in Leeds from the 7th September to the 13th October, 2001.