Adapting a psychological thriller to a stage setting is a real challenge. In an era when fans of this genre have grown used to complex characters and intricately woven plots it can be a Herculean task for any playwright to rise to the benchmark that has been set.
Killing Time is a play with a great promise. The plot is well conceived and centres on the volatile power dynamic between a wealthy, abused wife and a stranger who tries to entice her to kill her husband. With only two characters to draw upon, the on-stage chemistry of the performers is vital to the credibility of the production, and unfortunately this is one of the primary areas in which Killing Time falls short of the mark.
Both Claudia Christian and George Calil are experienced actors and tap into the anger and desperation of their characters aptly, but they might as well be on stage alone as they fail to interact convincingly with one another throughout the entire length of the performance.
All blame cannot be placed on the shoulders of these actors however, the script really does not allow for any real depth of emotion to be shown by the characters and is on occasion quite predictable.
With some work Killing Time could be an incredible psychological thriller that would leave its viewers guessing right up until the very last twist is revealed. Unfortunately audiences this Fringe will simply watch the power play between two very strong actors who seem oblivious of each other’s existence.
2/5
Matthew Straw
