Prescription Murder

There is something homely and familiar about this production. The play originated in 1960 as a radio play, Enough Rope, which morphed a year later into the present stage play. It introduced shambling, dishevelled policeman Lieutenant Columbo. This character’s popularity led to a two-hour television movie, forerunner of the TV series Columbo.

As a period piece, it holds up very well. Set in New York in the late1960s it captures the era and lifestyles. Director Sandra Harman and her team do a creditable job in remaining true to our memories of the Peter Falk series.

Paul Careless, as Lt Columbo is super. He is ably matched by the other two principals, Aaron Bernard as Dr Roy Flemming and Natalie Mead as Flemming’s paramour, Susan Hudson.

Columbo plays were different from most crime plays in that we learn from the outset who perpetrated the crime. The rest of the plot is devoted to Columbo’s modus operandi: pick up what clues are available, then pursue the suspects in his bumbling way, giving them ‘enough rope’ to hang themselves.

Supporting players, Nikki McCrea (Claire Flemming, the victim), Andrea O’Halloran (Dr Flemming’s receptionist) and Simon Pagano (doubling as Dave Gordon and a delivery man) maintained the high standard set by the leads, as did the Nash creatives.

A slick piece of nostalgia of which Nash Theatre can be justifiably proud.

Jay McKee

Our earlier coverage and more details.