A Role to Die For at the Marylebone Theatre

Guest post by Peter Edwards

★★★

Tanya Franks as Deborah - photo credit Steve Gregson

Ever since Daniel Craig confirmed that “No Time to Die” was his final appearance as super-spy James Bond there has been constant speculation about who will be cast next in this iconic role, and whether there might be a break from the tradition of suave, well-spoken….and white actors. It’s against this background that “A Role to Die For” begins it light-hearted and enjoyable exploration of the tension between tradition and progress.  

The play centres around Deborah, the producer of a famous spy franchise, who is about to announce the latest actor to take on the star role when her choice becomes embroiled in scandal, forcing her to find a replacement under immense time pressure and scrutiny from the tabloids and the public. Two candidates are available. Richard is the traditional choice, with the trademark looks and a good score on the “Bond Factor” algorithm deployed by Malcolm, Deborah’s data-driven co-producer. Theo is an unknown, but Deborah sees something in the screen test of this well-spoken black Cambridge-educated actor that suggests he may redefine the global franchise.

The action is set mainly in Deborah’s wood panelled office, but during Act 1 Deborah and Malcolm move into the screening room to review the screen tests of their two casting rivals. There are plenty of knowing references to the 007 franchise, including the instantly recognisable music; portraits of five past Bond actors adorning the walls of Deborah’s office and a wonderful bullet hole shaped spotlight across the stage.

Tanya Franks (EastEnders, Pulling, Broadchurch) is a force of nature as Deborah, juggling calls, cocktails and colourful language as she struggles to safeguard her family’s legacy. She is ably supported by a small cast including Philip Bretherton (As Time Goes By, The Final Cut) as Malcolm, and Obioma Ugoala (Hamilton, original West End cast, Frozen, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, The Book Thief, Leicester Curve) as Bond-contender Theo.

The ironically named, and Olivier Award winning, director Derek Bond keeps the action fast paced in Act 1, making the most of a string of one-liners and obscenities that keep the audience laughing. There’s a shift in gears, and mood, in Act 2 as the production explores its central theme while reflecting on wokeism and the creeping commercialization of well-loved institutions.

Although the strap line says that “Casting the world’s most famous spy is no laughing matter” there are laughs aplenty in this entertaining but thought-provoking production, Catch it at the Marylebone Theatre until the end of August.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:

Now until Saturday 30th August

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 7:30pm

Wednesday: 3:00pm, 7:30pm

Saturday: 3:30pm, 8pm

Sunday: 6pm

VENUE: Marylebone Theatre, Rudolf Steiner House, 35 Park Road, London, NW1 6XT

BOX OFFICE (PHONE): 02077237984  (M - F 11am - 4pm, opening one hour before the show on Bank holidays)

BOX OFFICE (ONLINE): boxoffice@marylebonetheatre.com