I'll Be Back Before Midnight -- by Peter Colley -- Jabulani Repertory Company -- Hamilton Princess Hotel.

*** Those who like their mystery thrillers to set off at least the odd frisson of genuine fright, are in for an evening of high entertainment with the latest offering by Jabulani Repertory Company.

`I'll Be Back Before Midnight', premiered last week, is so scary (and in places, even gory) that not a few in the audience found themselves suddenly thinking about house lights -- so comforting when you're sitting in the dark and doors slam, the wind moans, windows fly open, heaven (or hell)-bound organ music thunders through the air, guns explode, and the screaming starts...

Written by Canadian playwright Peter Colley, this mystery thriller has it all, including some lovely comic touches: while the plot is not as brilliant as `Deathtrap' (produced by Jabulani in 1995) there is convoluted action enough to keep everyone wondering -- and jumping right out of their wits -- all the way through to the climactic end.

It is brilliantly directed by Phillip Jones who instantly proves in this debut production that his directorial talents are at least equal to his acting prowess. This play hurtles along on a taut wave of suspense that never flags for a moment.

Set in a deserted house deep in the countryside, the plot centres around a young couple who have rented the premises in the hope of making a new start to their six year-old marriage. News that the house is haunted is greeted with understandable dismay by wife Jan who is, after all, recovering from a nervous breakdown. From then on, her recovery swerves predictably off-course -- the details of which cannot be revealed as they would spoil the enjoyment (and suspense) for future audiences.

Jan is played by Carolyn Finch, a relative newcomer to the stage who made a promising beginning in the recent BMDS production of `Do Not Disturb'. That promise is more than borne out in this drama, for Finch turns in a fine performance. Her portrayal, gracefully delivered in a finely modulated voice, is intelligently restrained, thus adding a disturbing reality to the almost gothic melodrama being unleashed around her.

Thomas Saunders in the role of Greg, also understands the impact of under, rather than overplaying her patient husband. Again, this is a finely etched realisation and confirms, if any is needed, that he is now as one of Bermuda's most accomplished -- and constantly interesting -- actors.

Grace Cordeiro, another novice to the stage, plays Greg's interfering sister who chooses a conspicuously inopportune time to visit and, perhaps, reconcile with her `difficult' sister-in-law. This is the least developed portrayal and, while her character is icily disapproving of her brother's reunion with his wife, Cordeiro comes across as somewhat wooden. It will be interesting to see how this role develops in the weeks ahead, as she is appropriately attractive for the role and has an instinctive sense of stage movement.

Bringing some much needed comic relief to the increasingly bizarre proceedings is the landlord, farmer George Willowby. John Instone, revealing yet another facet of his broad acting range, shuffles onstage, a picture of kindly wit and an accent straight out of the combes of dells of deepest Devon. Long acknowledged as one of our most gifted performers, Instone adds a new dimension to his already impressive repertoire with this wonderfully comic portrayal.

The success of this play undoubtedly relies on its special effects, in itself quite a challenge for the limited resources of the Gazebo Room. Thanks to the machinations of designer Richard Klesniks, stage manager Viv Williams, Ian Birch and director Jones (whom the cast apparently christened `McGuyver'), these are nothing short of inspired.

Producer Dusty Hind and the management of the Hamilton Princess have shown innovation and, let's face it, a certain amount of courage in establishing this type of repertory theatre, and even extending it to what is now virtually a year-round programme of diversified theatre. This latest, truly spine-tickling play marks Jabulani's 20th production and more than deserves the support of the general public.

There will be another opportunity to see `I'll Be Back Before Midnight' at the end of January. Due to popular demand, `Driving Miss Daisy' returns this week (December 11, 12 and 13) and another new production, `Private Lives' opens after the New Year.

PATRICIA CALNAN ANYONE THERE? -- Carolyn Finch in a scene from Jabulani Repertory Company's mystery thriller, `I'll Be Back Before Midnight', on show for the rest of this week at the Hamilton Princess.