Rebus: A Game Called Malice
Photo credit: Nobby Clark
Rebus: A Game of Malice is the brand new play by Ian Rankin and Simon Reade. Ian Rankin is an award-winning bestseller of over thirty novels worldwide and the creator of John Rebus. His books have been translated into thirty-six languages and have been adapted for radio, the stage and the screen.
The production is an atmospheric dive into Rankin’s well-known detective universe, brought to life onstage in a way that both long-time fans and newcomers can appreciate.
The production is an atmospheric dive into Rankin’s well-known detective universe, brought to life onstage in a way that both long-time fans and newcomers can appreciate.
Photo credit: Nobby Clark
The play opens with a group of characters gathered for what appears to be a harmless dinner party, but quickly dissolves into a game of secrets and lies. Set in a secluded Scottish mansion, the story cleverly plays on the conventions of a classic murder mystery while injecting Rankin’s signature complexity and moral ambiguity.
The tension steadily builds as this group of characters with hidden pasts and tangled motives are drawn into a high-stakes game orchestrated by the enigmatic Rebus himself.
Whilst A Game Called Malice certainly leans more towards the 'cosy-crime' genre than the hard-hitting Rebus stories many will be more familiar with, the writing is sharp, with plenty of biting dialogue, dark humour and twists that will keep you guessing until the final moments. Rankin is skilfully able to sustain a palpable sense of suspense on stage, much like he does in his novels.
The performances were equally compelling. Gray O’Brien delivered a nuanced, multi-layered performance as Rebus, capturing the character’s world-weariness, sharp wit and haunted conscience. The supporting characters add layers of intrigue, though at times their motivations can feel slightly underdeveloped. The ensemble works well together, building a sense of unease as the stakes are raised.
Visually, the production is impressive. The detailed set design effectively evokes the isolated, stormy Highlands setting, and the lighting and sound design work to enhance the atmosphere of suspense and tension.
Overall, Rebus: A Game of Malice is an enjoyable and entertaining addition to the Rebus universe, particularly for those who know and appreciate Rankin’s style. While it may not break new ground in the murder mystery genre, it offers an atmospheric and engaging evening of theatre. Fans of Rankin’s work and lovers of suspenseful drama alike will find much to enjoy in this well-crafted and thoughtful production.
The tension steadily builds as this group of characters with hidden pasts and tangled motives are drawn into a high-stakes game orchestrated by the enigmatic Rebus himself.
Whilst A Game Called Malice certainly leans more towards the 'cosy-crime' genre than the hard-hitting Rebus stories many will be more familiar with, the writing is sharp, with plenty of biting dialogue, dark humour and twists that will keep you guessing until the final moments. Rankin is skilfully able to sustain a palpable sense of suspense on stage, much like he does in his novels.
The performances were equally compelling. Gray O’Brien delivered a nuanced, multi-layered performance as Rebus, capturing the character’s world-weariness, sharp wit and haunted conscience. The supporting characters add layers of intrigue, though at times their motivations can feel slightly underdeveloped. The ensemble works well together, building a sense of unease as the stakes are raised.
Visually, the production is impressive. The detailed set design effectively evokes the isolated, stormy Highlands setting, and the lighting and sound design work to enhance the atmosphere of suspense and tension.
Overall, Rebus: A Game of Malice is an enjoyable and entertaining addition to the Rebus universe, particularly for those who know and appreciate Rankin’s style. While it may not break new ground in the murder mystery genre, it offers an atmospheric and engaging evening of theatre. Fans of Rankin’s work and lovers of suspenseful drama alike will find much to enjoy in this well-crafted and thoughtful production.
Photo credit: Nobby Clark
Thanks again to Theatre Royal Bath for having me along to watch the show on press night last night. Rebus: A Game of Malice is showing at the venue now until Saturday 5th October.
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