"The Nightmare Room" by Tabs Productions.

Colin McIntyre's Classic Thriller Season 2026.

Nottingham Theatre Royal.

The second of the three plays in this year's Classic thriller season is a play written by John Goodrum, adapted from the 1921 story of the same name by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The original story concerned two men, this version switches the genders in this love triangle and updates the story. Tabs last performed this play at the  Nottingham Theatre Royal back in 2018.

When Helen regains consciousness, she finds herself bound and blindfolded in a locked room. Her captor, best friend Catherine, challenges her to a deadly game of Russian roulette to decide which of them will win the handsome film star they both desire. But the game – like the room – is far from what it seems... are they alone in the room... or is there someone watching?

Helen, the mistress and long time best friend of Catherine, is played by Corinne Begluk. Corinne has performed with Tabs in the past, in a time before I discovered what a brilliant theatre company Tabs were, well over a dozen years ago, so this is my first time seeing Corinne.

Sarah Wynne-Kordas plays Catherine, the disgruntled wife. There are echoes of Kathy Bates in the unhinged way that Catherine's mind seems to work, with explosions of anger and jealous rage.

There are flashbacks which give you an idea as to how these two women have ended up in this white room. In contrast with the harshness of the white room, the flashbacks present a warmer glow in ivory, along with a stencilled wall pattern and giant window that you can imagine allowing sunlight to flood in, giving a more pleasant and less claustrophobic feel to the story and atmosphere. These two lighting choices are split by complete darkness in the blackouts.

The timing between the past and present scenes, by Corinne and Sarah, are split second, thanks to the lighting design and operation, as they move back and forth through time, to and from friendlier days. 

These two talented actors keep you right on the edge of your seat, and for just two actors to be able to keep everyone so enthralled is not only an acknowledgement to the wonderful adaptation of the play, the direction and the original story, but to the incredible acting skills of Sarah and Corinne.

Combine the lighting with the sound effects for this chiller thriller, and you'll see just why the sound is so important when you see it, and I can promise that you're in for a white knuckle ride!

After several twists, including one big one to close the first act, you may think you've got it sussed and everything has been revealed, but if that's the case, wait until the second act which has a few more twists in store.....

Directed by Karen Henson, this is an excellent example of how to keep an audience guessing where the story is going, and keeping them on the edge of their seat. The positioning of the bottle of poison on stage reminds us of the ever present danger, but which of them is in danger, and who is the dangerous one? Karen's direction and John's adaptation keep you guessing right to the very end!

The set design, by John Goodrum and Conal Walsh (from an original design by Keith Tuttle). The set is clinical white, almost asylum like in it's look, and it certainly grabs your attention as soon as you clap eyes on it. There is one table, two chairs, a water decanter, two glasses and a bottle of poison. 

Loved the costumes, especially Catherine's power dressing white suit. Helen's black outfit cleverly shows that they are on opposing sides.

Production Manager is Duncan Hands.

Deputy Stage manager is Conal Walsh, assisted by Juliette Strobel.

This is a complete contrast from last week's comical thriller, and again, very different to the final play in the season next week, which is "The Mantrap".

"The Nightmare Room" is at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 22 August, but don't have sleepless nights about getting tickets for this brilliant production.... get your tickets NOW!