An Interrogation

Interrogation (****)
An experienced detective is assigned to do her first solo interrogation in a serial murder case. The suspect is a cool customer, and many of her ploys fall flat. The tension is enhanced by having a video screen above the stage that an off-stage director uses to switch between five cameras, including two under the table showing their hands when in their laps, to show their more subtle reactions.


This is the 32nd most enjoyable of the 184 shows I have seen so far at the Fringe this year. I hope to see almost 200. You may see my other three-sentence reviews, in order from most enjoyable to worst, at my non-commercial website: https://fringefan.com/

Very pure theatre. A good story and good actors. You should go and see this.

I'm glad I was able to get a ticket to this show. I was reminded at times of both the first series of Prime Suspect (Tennison taunting the suspect by bringing up his mother) and the third series of Unforgotten (a very calm suspect taunting the police and trying to unbalance them). The leads are very convincing, and the use of the screen providing different angles and viewpoints of the actors and their reactions adds to the mood without being obtrusive. A very good production.

A young female detective interviews a suspect about a murder and keeps up the pressure until he finally snaps. Really well written and superbly performed. ****

★★☆☆☆ Mixed feelings.

GOOD:
* Skilled and commendable performance by the actors.
* Interesting use of live camera angles and projections.
* Packed venue.

NOT SO GOOD:
* Underdeveloped storyline lacking intensity and thrill.
* An artificial representation of generational differences and feminist perspectives, full of clichés and biases.
* Lack of convincing character motivations, making it hard to connect with the narrative.

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A slow burner of a play - it does a fantastic job of slowly building suspense through the interview. Both actors are brilliant. I felt the breakthrough was a little weak - I would have liked to see a clearer 'aha!' moment, but that may be more of a personal preference of the crime shows I watch!