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6 July 2026
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3 ½***
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Regular readers of these reviews may recall that, though acknowledging his continuing popularity, Francis Durbridge is not my favourite dramatists. However, it is important for a reviewer to keep an open mind. ‘Sweet Revenge’ was last seen in the 2015 season and it is pleasing to report that it is rather better than others by the same writer.
Here there is something of a shift in genre as the thriller gives way to a whodunnit in a much more traditional sense. Set in the medical world, Dr Ross Marquand and his wife, Fay, are facing marital issues when she falls in love with a notorious womaniser, Julian Kane. When Kane has a heart attack and dies, suspicion falls on Marquand, but then, subsequently on other friends and colleagues – all of whom appear to have good season for committing the deed.
The first half of the evening sets up the action well and is followed by a second act of revelations, admissions and, finally, confession. The audience really are kept guessing until the end and that is very much part of the fun. Yes, there are red herrings – as ever with Durbridge, there are a host of characters mentioned who you never meet, but the plot is less dense than others and the guilty party takes some working out!
Anton Tweedale’s production zips along well, despite the wordy first act, with the slick change in scenes punctuated by the tremendously atmospheric music of Jo Blankenburg. Andrew Beckett’s set, as ever, pleases the eyes with its central French doors and arched windows. Well designed lighting adds to the tension.
Durbridge often makes the central character a real monster of a part and he is well served by Dafydd Gwyn Howells, who, in his third play in a row, ensures the audience are never quite sure if he is innocent or guilty with an assured and confident characterisation. But the supporting roles are chocablock full of suspicious characters; Stephanie Willson is efficiency itself as Marquand’s Secretary and Rachel Fletcher-Hudson (also in her third part in a row) the no-longer faithful wife. Does Polly Smith – resplendent in an array of colourful and floaty costumes – have something to hide as Fay’s friend Marion? What about Fay’s heavy-drinking brother Alan, which allows Owen Landon to display his skills as a drunk? Then there is the slightly mysterious Bill Yorke from Adam Forrester – a toy maker with secrets of his own, and the other medic on the scene Sam Kennedy, a permanently harassed  role for James Pellow. All may have the means and the motive to bump off Kane with the questionable drug, Zarabell Four. In his debut at Sidmouth Rep, Mack Newton impresses as the slimey Julian Kane and Rhys Cannon fills the police inspector role with a suave confidence, but will he solve the crime? As ever, the acting is of the highest quality from this experienced company.
The answers to all these questions will be found at the Manor Pavilion Theatre until 11 July – it’s a fun evening and a satisfying one too.
Cast
Ross Marquand – Dafydd Gwyn Howells
Fay Marquand – Rachel Fletcher-Hudson
Judy Hilton – Stephanie Willson
Bill Yorke – Adam Forrester
Marian Kennedy – Polly Smith
Sam Kennedy – James Pellow
Julian Kane – Mack Newton
Alan Wells – Owen Landon
Inspector Sanders – Rhys Cannon
Creatives
Writer – Francis Durbridge
Director – Anton Tweedale
Set Design – Andrew Beckett
Costume Designer – Janet Huckle
Lighting Design – Chris Jackson & Will Tippett
Sound Design – James Prendergast
Props Supervisor – James Prendergast
Set Builder – Rhys Cannon
Stage Manager – James Prendergast
Sound/Lighting Operation – James Prendergast
Stage Management Team – Dominic McChesney & Rhys Cannon
Season Producer – Andrew Beckett
Season Patron – Paul Taylor-Mills
Photo Image – Andrew Beckett
