A Role To Die For

Marylebone Theatre

Who's going to be the next Bond? He must tick all the boxes... But should he be the same as those before or something new and revolutionary? The audience feel the suspense and tension!

You will be left shaken and stirred by the suspense of this show. Who knew how much work goes into choosing the next Bond and what the choice could mean for its audience? The characters essentially have to be secret agents to keep their work under wraps and avoiding scandal. It reminds you how important change is and how tradition should be broken. Just because Bond has been a certain way for so long, does that mean it should carry on? Is his character even a good person? The casting is chefs kiss, the plot makes you laugh, whilst you sit on the edge of your seat and the character arc of each character is gripping.

Tanya Franks plays lead role 'Deborah' a workaholic who is carrying the weight of her father's legacy on her shoulders. She's ready to pass some of the family legacy to her son Quinn, played by Harry Goodson-Bevan. His character realises he's passed the opportunity to change Bond into a more revolutionary role, changing the character into something new, a symbol of societal change and acceptance. The mother and son relationship changes throughout, Quinn seeks his mother's attention and time, as she cuts him off. As it goes on the audience realise the relationship shifts to her being desperate for him and him gaining his wings. Tanya Franks gives a stunning performance and naturally flows through her character's changes throughout, without skipping a beat. Nothing feels unrealistic and the emotion she shows is moving; but her wit shines though. A gripping mother and son relationship dynamic, you can't take your eyes off the pair.

The set is rather effective for the piece. There is a little hidden bond themed compartments; a panel that hides a martini station, painting that hides cigarettes and a gun prop that's a lighter. The main setting is Deborah's office; it's like a shrine to all the old Bonds. Of course, the room has framed photos of the iconic Bond's, a huge photo of Sean Connery... so huge that I wish I could've taken it home for my mum. It's a grand office, chandelier, wooden panelling and a chaise longue. An office that very Bond coded. It's a fun set. The tech works well with the set, they use a projector in act 2, which shows the technology they use for the bond has progressed... but their values have not, and this presents to the audience the characters need to progress. The projector plays self-tapes of the Bonds they are choosing from and an app they have crafted in the piece that predicts the success of the film by choice of actor.

Whilst this show has a slow start, it picks up and you find yourself hooked. It's actually impressive how much the story has such a huge development for each character, it's very well written and the actors do a brilliant job. The story has a relevant and strong message to the film industry about changing, being more accepting. A very bond coded show and acting skills shown are top tier! You'll laugh a lot and leave craving a martini.