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Sarah Crown
Theatre Correspondent
10:37 PM 26th January 2022
arts

The Da Vinci Code

 
Nigel Harman and Hannah Rose Caton - photo by Johan Persson
Nigel Harman and Hannah Rose Caton - photo by Johan Persson
Originally a book by Dan Brown, the 2003 bestseller burst into existence with the strapline, the greatest conspiracy of the last 2000 years is about to unravel. Certainly, the story aroused the interest of many a reader and went on to top the best-seller lists worldwide before later being made into a film starring Tom Hanks and Sir Ian McKellen.

Now adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel, The Da Vinci Code comes to the stage. Luke Sheppard, the Director, brings to life a polished reworking of this popular thriller, that is certain to please all who see it, even if they happen not to have read the book or seen the film.

Whilst in Paris working as a visiting guest lecturer, Harvard Professor Robert Langdon receives an unwanted late-night phone call. The elderly curator of the Louvre has been murdered and, as an expert in symbols and semiotics, the police request that he assists them in understanding the puzzle that has been left by the curator’s body.

Hannah Rose Caton and Nigel Harman - photo by Johan Persson
Hannah Rose Caton and Nigel Harman - photo by Johan Persson
Langdon played by Nigel Harman (Eastenders) teams up with fellow cryptologist and grand-daughter of the victim, Sophie Neveu (Hannah Rose Caton) and together they form an effective and formidable team, as they attempt to solve the riddles leading back to the life of Jesus via the Italian Renaissance and Leonardo Da Vinci. Impressively, Harman managed to maintain his character’s soft American accent throughout.

Professor Leigh Teabing, Danny John-Jules, of Red Dwarf and Death in Paradise fame, another expert in reading the symbols and friend of the Professor, offers guidance and support to the pair with the use of his private jet to help them continue their frantic chase for answers from Paris across the Channel to London to try to solve the labyrinth code before a shocking historical secret is lost forever.

The cast of The Da Vinci Code - photo by Johan Persson
The cast of The Da Vinci Code - photo by Johan Persson
Joshua Lacey who takes the part of Silas, the fanatical self-flagellating monk, portrays a forceful character, although at times not as menacing as the role suggested.

However, the scenes ‎depicting his self-harm were very effectively and convincing portrayed as the company move between freeze-frame images, steeped in religious iconography and ending with a beautifully tragic crucifix. His pain was symbolised by the company elevating him above their heads as though to illustrate the heightening of his suffering.

Having seen the film several times I was intrigued to see how this could be recreated for the stage. I was not disappointed. The set designed by David Woodhead is superb contributing to the progress and atmosphere of the story. The use of projectors on the full back and side walls and simple drop-down single item sets, transport the audience from the Louvre and St Sulpice in Paris, via an aircraft to St Pauls, Westminster, and eventually the Rosslyn chapel in Edinburgh as the race to solve the puzzle gathers pace.

The plot maintains a cracking pace throughout which kept the audience on the edge of their seats until the very end.

The finale was greeted with enthusiastic audience applause which is always the sign of a great evening’s entertainment.

Tour Dates in the North:

24-29 January - Sheffield Lyceum
28 February - 5 March - Hull New Theatre
11-16 April - Newcastle Theatre Royal
25-30 July - The Lowry, Salford
29 August - 3 September - Leeds Grand
31 October - 5 November - Liverpool Playhouse
7-12 November - Bradford Alhambra