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Performers and co-writers Aideen Wylde and Tadhg Hickey recount a true tale, but with some artistic licence, of tennis and murder set more than a century ago. The action centres on Vere St Ledger Goold, form Cork and of Anglo-Irish landed gentry. Goold was a gifted tennis player and was a losing finalist in the Men’s Championship at Wimbledon. Had he not had such a fondness for the ladies and drink, he might have been a Wimbledon champion.

After his tennis career had ended, Goold married the twice widowed French dressmaker Marie Violet Giordin, but they fell upon hard times. They eventually ended up in Monte Carlo and became implicated in the murder of a rich Swedish widow.

The play’s comedy style is very much that of a Victorian melodrama with many exaggerated actions. There is a further intentional twist in that the two performers have some issues in how the performance should proceed. At one point, their disagreement became so intense it seemed the play would not be completed.

The play entertains throughout under the direction of Donal Gallagher. Wilde and Hickey give strong, lively performances and their comic timing is impeccable.

Reviewed by Ben

Assembly Roxy: 139

2 to 26 August 2012 (not 13 & 20)

14.20 – 15.25

Fringe Programme Page Number: 293