Reviewed by Jo-Anne Bishop
The Palace Theatre’s presentation of Deathtrap by Ira Levin, directed by James Patterson and produced by Anita Goodfellow, offers an entertaining evening of twists, tension, and clever stage trickery, though not without a few bumps along the way. The play follows Sydney Bruhl, a once-successful playwright desperate for another hit. When a promising script lands in his hands, temptation and ambition collide in ways that blur the lines between collaboration, manipulation, and survival. It’s a clever premise that thrives on surprises, so the less said, the better. (You will find no spoilers here!)
I found myself torn on this production, caught somewhere between enjoying its strengths and feeling like something essential wasn’t quite landing. Much of Deathtrap’s charm comes from its blend of suspense and dark humour, yet the comedic elements, which should give the script its bite, didn’t always come through in the delivery. This left certain moments feeling flatter than intended.
(Pictured: David Lamari as Sydney Bruhl. Photo Credit: Ross Davdson.)
David Lamari gives a commendable performance as Sydney Bruhl. He steps into the role wholeheartedly, bringing a natural ease and believability that anchors the show. Lamari is a talented performer, and his commitment to the character stands out, even when some scenes around him falter. His delivery had great strength and presence, though at times he needed more volume.
(Pictured: Julia Askerov as Helga Ten Drop. Photo Credit: Ross Davidson.)
Julia Askerov, as the eccentric psychic Helga Ten Dorp, brings good energy to the stage and earns some of the play’s lighter moments. However, her dialogue was at times difficult to understand due to her character’s intended thick accent. In contrast to Lamari, her projection was strong, but the clarity wasn’t always there.
In fact, aside from Askerov, the cast as a whole could benefit from stronger vocal projection. There were stretches where dialogue became muddy or simply too quiet, causing important lines to get lost. Combined with occasional holes in the comedic parts of the performances, this affected believability in key moments.
(Pictured: Porter Milgrim and Sydney Bruhl. Photo Credit: Ross Davidson.)
On the technical side, the production shines. The set, designed and constructed by Eric Bernard, David Long, and Heather Meadows, is fantastic. Immersive, clever, and perfectly suited to the play’s tone. Lighting and sound, executed by Rob Coles and Mariann Sawyer, respectively, were executed perfectly, enhancing tension and atmosphere without overpowering the action. The costume designs by Aiden Thomas and Lorna McKenzie were well done and nicely suited to the characters.
Overall, Deathtrap is an enjoyable watch with moments of genuine intrigue and visual excellence. It is a solid production that entertains, even if some elements fall short. Even with some missed comedic beats and moments that could use stronger projection, the production’s solid performances and outstanding technical work make it an engaging ride. It’s a show that reminds you why live theatre is irresistible: You never quite know what’s coming next. And Deathtrap plays that game very, very well.
IF YOU GO:
What: Ira Levin’s Deathtrap
Where: The Palace Theatre Arts Commons, 710 Dundas Street, London, ON.
When: November 27th – December 7th, 2025
Tickets: Tickets | Deathtrap | The Palace Theatre Arts Commons
Reviewed by Jo-Anne Bishop
The Beat Magazine 2025 