Phone Killer offers a distorted insight into the minds of a killer. The audience can be certain that at least one murder is likely to take place but beyond that the story is presented in such a way that anything could and probably will happen! You certainly might think twice before answering your phone late at night.
New recruit PC Flemming (Jake Maisel) turns up for his first day working at the police station with PC Asher (Stephanie McNeil) and PC Trout (Chris Mawaka) whose unprofessional and inappropriate behaviour towards PC Asher is cringeworthy. In the light of recent disclosures around the MET police force, I couldnt help thinking it was art reflectiing life in an honest and uncomfortable portrayal.
Observing Douglas Assantillo as he is about to take to the stage in the role of Joseph 2 was chilling. On two occasions with blueberry muffins in hand a semi-demonic look crossed his face as he went into character which left a chilling impression, I could see he was about to deliver a blow to another character, just uncertain which one.
The Cockpit offers this production plenty of space to allow the cast to move freely and with four entry points, it keeps the audience in suspense as you are never quite sure where the next scene will start from or which character will unsettle the audience next.
However, the play does offer rather a slow and at times confusing in the beginning as it’s unclear which direction the play will take or what the characters are doing. It would benefit from editing the first thirty minutes of the performance as tightening up that section of the story would heighten the impact that the end of the play delivers. It certainly has the potential to be a chilling black comedy thriller.
For more information on Phone Killer and future productions at The Cockpit Theatre please use the link below. The play only ran from 27th-28th March and is no longer available, although I wouldn’t be surprised if it returns to the stage in the future.
Three Stars
Theatre, Art and Film Reviews 
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