The First Review is in
Intrigue on the Moor—and Beyond: Accomplice at 16th Avenue Theatre Review by Dave Wilson
From the moment the lights rise on 16th Avenue Theatre’s intimate stage, Accomplice by Rupert Holmes sweeps the audience into a wryly witty world of intrigue, jealousy, and playful duplicity.
Friday night was the New Zealand premiere of this genre-blending thriller that infuses the charm of local amateur theatre with Broadway-calibre twists in an almost flawless performance. This production really is a must-see!
The play unfolds in 1970s Dartmoor, at an elegant retreat owned by the affluent Derek and Janet Taylor. What initially appears to be a conventional murder plot—complete with a sexstarved wife, her lover, and a stuffy husband—quickly evolves into a startling maze of deception. As layers of the narrative peel back, the evening becomes a high-stakes game of misdirection, where each twist raises the question: who is manipulating whom? And above all, who is the accomplice?
Part murder mystery, part sex farce, and all parts a thriller, Accomplice is infused with comedic flair, earning praise from a New York Times critic as “a deliciously witty cocktail of a whodunit with a maniacally seamless plot.”
As the theatre community gathers to witness this cleverly woven performance, everyone— and I really mean everyone —becomes part of the conspiracy. A full house at 16th Avenue Theatre was treated to, and very appreciative of, Holmes’s intricate storytelling. The production offers a rare evening of theatrical delight: one minute you’re laughing, the next you’re gasping, and soon, you’re second-guessing everything.
Director, Ben Hambling, must be considered one of Tauranga’s most valuable theatrical practitioners. His mix of artistic creativity coupled with technical prowess is evident throughout the production. From a clever set where Ben’s attention to detail shines, working hand in hand with his lighting design enhancing every mood, the actors are given the ultimate canvas to ply their trade. But it is how Hambling managed to corral the challenging script that I found most impressive.
A cast of just four actors leaves room for a weak link, but not in this case. All were terrific within the acting gymnastics required to pull off the multiple plot twists. Of particular note, Ben Cain displayed versatility and comedic flair that is a welcome return after a 20-year hiatus from treading the boards, and Natalie Wright brought all her professional experience to a wonderfully complete, aloof, cynical, sarcastic performance.
Katherine Knight and Shaun Michael were in no way over-shadowed in their terrific portrayals either. Hambling’s casting could not have been more on point in bringing Holmes’s script to life in a piece that could challenge even the most seasoned of professionals.
Well done is an understatement and I urge readers to reserve their tickets before word-ofmouth will undoubtedly sell out the season that runs until the 30th of August.