A reclusive and once-famed singer, mysterious deaths, roadkill, the social life of the moose, flamboyant pop starts, Nordic walking, jumpers, Ikea and Swedish thrash metal were all part of the show when the critically-acclaimed Lip Service theatre turned their attention to Nordic Noir.
After having tackled such weighty literature as James Bond, The Bronte Sisters and Sherlock Holmes, the work of such writers as Jo Nesbo, Henning Mankell, and Steig Larson and the television programmes The Killing, The Bridge and Wallender were all under the forensic microscope of performers and writers Maggie Fox and Sue Ryding.
Freya, a former singer with the group Fabba is sat in her log cabin, as the snow falls. Days later, a man is found dead with a Nordic Walking stick in his head. Into this comes jumper wearing Sandra Larsson, whos own life is unravelling before our eyes.
With only two in the cast, a lot is expected – from the police inspectors to the pop band and any number of other people, including the two moose who provide much of the slapstick comedy.
With a set that consisted of props that were largely knitted by local groups from across the country, and a movable set that acted as a television screen, the inside of a police station, the homes of two members of the pop band Fabba, and outside scenes made the best use of the stage.
Tropes such as the minor key, sometimes atonal music that is used to provide tension, as well as an autopsy scene that showed that the Nordic walking stick through his head may be the least of the murder victim’s worries also highlighted the often formulaic nature of some of this literature.
This was a show that relied on audience participation, so the scenes of breaking the fourth wall were well thought out, although the tortured introspection that haunts many of the characters in Nordic Noir was thankfully absent in a show that was quick on pace and slow on looking inward.
The humour came thick and fast, with enough detail to appeal to fans of Nordic Noir, and audience members who were less familiar with the work.
A two person firework display was a tour-de-force of coming invention and timing, whilst looking at the disappointment that is always provided by Catherine Wheels, when compared to other fireworks.
As with much of the literature of this nature, the destination was less important than the journey. The reason for the murders was given that they were to prevent secrets being revealed, and the manner of death of Freya at the end was entirely fitting with the narrative until the end.
This was a fine show that was well written, very well acted and worth seeing.
