It takes courage to adapt a classic film noir for the stage, especially one with a screenplay by Graham Greene, exquisite black and white cinematography and Orson Welles’ radiant charisma. Some might call it hubristic, even foolish, to add music to the mix.
The surprise is that this musical version of the 1949 film, directed by Trevor Nunn, does not fall on its face. While the songs pass muster, its triumph is in its monochrome design, which seems like a black and white film come to life. Paul Farnworth’s set encapsulates the look and feel of a noir together with Emma Chapman’s lighting, which throws out an elegant welter of lamplight, long shadows and thrillerish effects.
