A well-rounded thriller of an adaptation of David Mamet's film of the same name
Forget daytime TV quiz shows, we're delving deep into the criminal underworld in this revival of Richard Bean's adaptation of David Mamet's 1987 film noir House of Games. Deception is very much at the heart of play here, whether it's during literal gaming or metaphorically as a con unfolds.
We find ourselves witness to two key locations, artfully portrayed via a split-level set concocted by Ashley Martin-Davis: the dimly lit dive bar where gamers gather around a poker table and the classy, daylight-filled office of Dr Margaret Ford. Played self-assuredly by Lisa Dillon, Margaret is a high-profile psychologist and bestselling author. Her devoted PA Kathleen (Joanna Brookes), a sympathetic and reassuring presence, shows in the young and desperate Billy (Oscar Lloyd), a gambling addict who's terrified of the mob he owes £25k.
After revealing the threats he's received from bolshie bar owner Mike (Richard Harrington) and his cronies, Margaret makes the unwise decision to follow him to the eponymous bar, House of Games. Her bestselling book was about addictive behaviour and, who knows, perhaps she'll get some killer content from this excursion.
Unsurprisingly, as Margaret enters the dingy space with its green baize table covered in cards, dice and beer bottles, she finds herself both out of her depth and in too deep as the cold eyes of Mike's crew turn on her. She is also drawn to Mike, however, and it's not long before the pair are embracing against the poker table. But is Mike playing her for all she might be worth? After all, a well-known (and legitimate) personality could make a very lucrative contact.
In his fear, Billy has armed himself with a gun he doesn't know how to use and things begin to get increasingly dangerous – a feeling that's intensified by the deft direction of Jonathan Kent. The stakes are too high for this shady crew not to play dirty. But who is scamming whom? And who is prepared to resort to violence if necessary? It's a predictably unpredictable story that's gripping and as well played as any head-to-head in this 'House of Games'.
By Judi Herman
Photos by Manuel Harlan
House of Games runs until Saturday 7 June. 7.30pm, 2.30pm (Thu & Sat only). From £15, £10 concs. Hampstead Theatre, NW3 3EU. hampsteadtheatre.com