DEATHTRAP is the first production of the Playhouse’s 2016 season and opens with a bang.

This comedy/thriller, written by Ira Levin, author of Rosemary’s Baby, is a definite must-see production. Sidney Bruhl, once a successful writer of stage thrillers, is suffering from writers’ block when he receives through the post the perfect script, Deathtrap, from Clifford Anderson, a student in his creative writing class.

Sidney is consumed by jealousy and, when the young wannabe turns up with the only copies of the script, Sidney’s thoughts turn to murder – or do they?

The action takes place in Sidney’s converted barn in Connecticut, where Sidney has a display of weapons from his previous Broadway thrillers.

The relationship and interaction between Sam Phillips as Clifford Anderson and Kim Wall as Sidney Bruhl is nothing short of genius. Walls’ comedy timing is flawless, although there is a depth to the character which is conveyed beautifully, while Phillips’ portrayal of the young writer’s enthusiasm and naivety is effortless.

Lesley Vicarage gives a skilful portrayal as the nervous wife and Beverly Klein’s performance as Helga Ten Dorp, a Dutch clairvoyant, is a perfect comical balancing act which stays just the right side of “It’s behind you”.

With twists, turns and leave-your-seat surprises, Deathtrap is a play to die for.

Deathtrap holds the record for the longest-running comedy thriller on Broadway and was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Play. It runs at the Playhouse until February 27.

KATIE REEVES