Beyond Desire, written by Neil Rutherford and with music by Kieran Drury, is a murder mystery set in London in 1910, full of passion, tragedy and deception. Be warned, though: this production is actually a musical, and there is singing. A lot of singing.
While holidaying in Italy, Anthony (Blake Bowden) receives a telegram from his mother (Chloe Dallimore) with news that his father Edward (Phillip Lowe) has been found dead in a hotel room from strychnine poisoning. Disbelieving it was a suicide and suspecting a darker, greedier motive involving his father’s business partner, George (Tony Cogin), Anthony returns to London to unravel the mystery.
After enlisting the help of James (Ross Hannaford), who also happens to harbour a secret, scandalous love for his best friend, Anthony pieces together the moments leading up to Edward’s death, and along the way uncovers dark family and friendship secrets that embroil the entire household and threaten their seemingly perfect lives.
In all honesty, sitting through Beyond Desire was a challenge. Every two minutes, when the music started up with the violins (again), I felt like screaming, “Why can’t you just talk about it? Why does it have to be a song?!” Don’t get me wrong – the music, inspired by Ravel, Debussy, Elgar and Grainger, is fabulous, but it starts wearing thin towards the end of the (long) second half.
It’s also confusing as to whether Beyond Desire is supposed to be a comedy or a drama. There are plenty of tongue-in-cheek lyrics and innuendos throughout (or perhaps I was just laughing inappropriately at the semi-ridiculousness of it all – especially in regards to the dead father who awkwardly hangs around in the background of every scene), yet at the same time, it tries to create emotional scenes and deep relationships between characters whom you can’t take seriously given they break into song at every possible moment.
While the acting at times is occasionally forced, the performances by maidservant Emily (Christy Sullivan) and the elderly housekeeper (Nancye Hayes) are outstanding, bringing to life a somewhat floundering production. If you like a good sing-along and watching Downton Abbey, then you may enjoy Beyond Desire. Otherwise, despite promising to be a murder mystery with twists and turns you’ll never guess, it’s a two-and-a-half hour struggle.
2.5/5 stars
Beyond Desire is playing at Hayes Theatre Co until Sunday December 14.
