“Mindgame” by Anthony Horowitz
Nottingham Theatre Royal

I’d seen this play before so I knew before hand what a brilliant piece of theatre this is. I also knew about the twists and turns that occur and, technically, what an interesting play this is. Needless to say, I couldn't wait to see this play again.

Mark Styler, a writer of "true crime" stories arrives at the Fairfields experimental hospital for the criminally insane, with the hope of interviewing serial killer Easterman for a new book.

He meets Dr. Farquhar, the hospital director, however things don't seem quite right. The doctor is reluctant to let Styler see Easterman, and encourages Styler to leave. Styler refuses with the excuse of a long car journey. In the end, he stays and Farquhar offers him dinner.

His assistant Nurse Paisley appears frightened, and is anxious. She tries to pass a note to Styler, but Farquhar burns it in the bin. Why is the doctor so reluctant to let Styler meet Easterman and why is Nurse Paisley so nervous around the doctor? Who is hiding what from who, or whom?

Andrew Ryan reprises his role as Styler, the writer and his uncertainty and fear he shows in Styler's face really does make you worry for him, but you don't know why you should be worried, Slowly though, it dawns on you just why he feels the way he does. Andrew is well known at the Nottingham Theatre Royal for his panto stints as Dame and for the Colin McIntyre Thriller Season, but if you've never seen Andrew in anything else, come and see what a powerful performance he gives in this thriller.

Michael Sherwin again plays Farquhar, and from shortly after his first appearance, you start to have doubts about Farquhar and if he really is who he seems to be. Not only does he make Styler feel uncomfortable, but he succeeds in making the audience feel the same way.

Angie Smith plays the Nurse, and Angie is the only new member of the cast from three years ago, but she fitted in well. I've seen Angie before so also knew that the addition was a good one.

Directed by Karen Henson, this woman knows how to create tension in the theatre and the twists still come as a jolt form the blue, even after seeing it before. The feeling of uncomfortable unease is so evident throughout, and that can only be achieved through experience in directing thrillers and of course picking a cast who is known to deliver.

The design is by Sarah Wynne Kordas, another woman who has so much experience in her field that as soon as you see her name on a playbill, you know that it's going to be good, and it was. Combined with the projected images, Liam Banks, the set really does play games with your mind. More than that I shall not say!

Two other names I know from other productions, are responsible for the lighting design - Michael Donoghue - and sound design - David Gilbrook; the latter will also play games with your mind, or may just send you mad. Go see it and you'll see what I mean.

Be prepared for nothing, or no one being quite what they first seem. Even the skeleton isn't quite what it first seems. It's one of the most stylish and exciting thrillers doing the rounds at the moment, so make sure you don't miss it.

“Mindgame” is at the Nottingham theatre Royal until Saturday 15 June.