PERFORMING the Kiss of Death the Woodlands Drama Group ably overcame the technical challenges of using the Studio space upstairs at Harrogate Theatre and presented a performance that would have made playwright Simon Williams proud.

The interpretation of this modern day thriller had all the suspense and tension of Prime Suspect punctuated with sardonic humour that was both well-timed and delivered by the company with expertise.

Lynne Close, playing Zoe Lang, gave a commanding performance.

Her portrayal of sheer terror, as she was held hostage in a disused flat, at the end of act one left the audience with shivers running down their spine and very possibly sleepless nights! Lynne tackled this demanding part with great skill and was mesmerising to watch.

The role demanded the portrayal of many different emotions: fear, anger, sarcasm, humour and despair all played by her in a totally convincing manner.

Ian Clarke playing the detective Bernard and Stephen Hall as his sidekick Brocklebank gave convincing performances and kept the audience guessing as to "who done it" right to the end. They worked well together and their timing and humour was spot on.

Mark Dove a relative new comer to the group presented a menacing and forceful performance as John Smith, a police officer playing the part of a psychopathic serial murderer for a sham police training exercise.

His voice and powerful stage presence, certainly made for uncomfortable moments as many of the audience were seen to jump and shift uncomfortably during his scenes.

Credit must be given to director Howard Atkin who rose to the challenges that putting on such a technically difficult play presented in such a small space. Only someone of his experience could have pulled off some of the more demanding scenes that were choreographed using real knives.

The back stage team of this intimate company worked well and managed the scene changes efficiently and quickly thus ensuring the continuity of the plot.

Woodlands Drama group always gives Harrogate audiences the opportunity to see less well-known pieces, which is a credit to them and deserves support. We look forward with anticipation to their next performance in October of The Secret Rapture by David Hare.

Mark Edwards