Frederick Knott’s classic play Wait Until Dark, being performed at Cambridge Arts Theatre until September 23, is theatre at its best, writes JAMES MARSTON.

Tense and thrilling, this production of the classic play Wait Until Dark is finely tuned and theatre at its best.

Set in a small flat in west London in the 1960s, the play, presented by The Original Theatre Company under the direction of Alastair Whatley, focuses on a criminal gang as they con a young blind woman Susy who has unwittingly become embroiled in their scam.

Pitting her wits against those of murderous mastermind Roat, the tension develops as it becomes clear the gang are not who they say they are and Susy begins to realise she is in danger.

The cast is super strong and with a magnificent performance by Karina Jones as Susy, this production doesn’t put a foot wrong.

As Susy faces her fears, takes control and turns her disability into her advantage, she turns out to be more than a match for the evil Roat as this pressure cooker of a play builds up to breaking point with style and control. There’s even a few welcome moments of laughter along the way.

The set is cleverly designed, the lighting effects superb, the plot entertaining, the acting excellent; this is a intelligent and creative production that will not disappoint.