Double Indemnity
This Trafalgar Theatre production, staged at the Richmond Theatre is based on the James M Cain novel, adapted by Tom Holloway.
The set (Ti Green) and lighting (Joshua Gadsby) design cast shadows, indicative of the shady story about to unfold. The play tells the story of the relationship between a woman and her insurance broker and their plot to plan the perfect murder – of her husband.
The action opens with Walter Huff (Ciaran Owens) addressing us, the audience, inviting us to journey with him in his plotting. I found myself throughout Act 1, trying to be drawn in but not really connecting with the action. The challenge with the portrayal of any character – no matter how flawed – is that the audience needs to find some sympathy with them, some connection with them, some identity. Sadly, that doesn’t happen with the two main protagonists.
Walter develops an alliance with his client Phylis Nirdlinger (Mischa Barton), as they plot to kill Phylis’ husband. The alliance develops into a relationship – except the development isn’t particularly convincing. It begins transactionally – understandably so, there’s money at stake. There should be some convincing development arc into the romantic relationship, but it seems to be lacking and we’re left to fill in the blanks.
Act One is very slow and we’re left waiting for the inevitable murder to happen. The audience reacts to the plot in very understated ways. We want to laugh, gasp, be left in suspense by the growing tension, but it doesn’t come. So instead, we are left waiting for the interval
Act Two is better. It picks up the pace and with relief we find more moments of light and shade and more humour to laugh at. But still it’s hard to find sympathy with the characters – crucial if we’re to be drawn into the action as Walter is keen for us to be.
Directorial choices are always interesting. Three of the actors playing the ‘main’ characters play multiple parts. For example, just after Mr Nirdlinger (Oliver Ryan) is murdered, new meet Ryan again voicing another character. Meanwhile there are 3 other cast members who make up the numbers by walking across the stage representing the wider population. It’s not obvious as to why one of the other understudy actors isn’t used at that point or in other points where this occurs.
It’s such a shame to watch a production at this beautiful theatre that fails to land the killer blow. The story has such potential to thrill and keep us on the edge of our seats. As the story concludes we know it’s not going to end well, and shouldn’t know how. Unfortunately, the sight of the gun in Mischa Barton’s pocket gives the final twist away.
This show was reviewed at Richmond Theatre on the 4th March 2026 where it runs until the 7th March 2026. Tickets available here: Double Indemnity Tickets | Richmond Theatre in Richmond | ATG Tickets
Full tour dates here: Double Indemnity - Touring 2026
Review written by Ian Worsfold
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Photo credit: Manuel Harlan
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