After weeks of intensive rehearsals, Masquerade’s production of Misery, written by William Goldman and based on Stephen King’s seminal novel, finally opens this Saturday, starring Isabel Warrington and Alan Paris under the direction of Stephen Oliver.
Misery follows Sheldon (Paris), a successful romance novelist, who is rescued from a car accident by his number one fan Annie Wilkes (Warrington). As Paul recovers in her secluded home, Annie reads his latest book and becomes enraged when she discovers the author has killed off her favourite character, Misery Chastain. Waking after his accident, Paul finds himself held captive in Annie’s home and forced to write a new Misery novel, although he quickly realises that she has no intention of letting him go anywhere. He must write as if his life depends on it – because it does. This spine-tingling new stage adaptation traps you in the room with Paul, as he must outsmart Annie if he hopes to escape.
“There are very few excellent psychological thrillers that really work on stage, and even fewer adapted from a film script,” says Mr Oliver. “This new stage adaptation of Misery has been a play both Masquerade and I have been trying to produce in Malta for years, so I am thrilled to have succeeded and finally be in production week. As challenging as this phase of any production can be, there is nothing quite as satisfying as seeing the actors go through their final paces on Romualdo Moretti’s set, while the technical crew work their magic to bring the play to life.”
“Annie Wilkes is one of those women’s roles that actors dream of playing, while the challenges and opportunities offered by Paul’s character are huge,” he adds. “Isabel and Alan have done a wonderful job, ably supported by Victor Debono, and they do the material proud.”
Misery is the latest in a highly successful run of post-COVID-19 productions by Masquerade as the company celebrates its 25th anniversary – including Matilda the Musical, Ċikku and the Chocolate Panto and last month’s acclaimed production of Harold Pinter’s Betrayal. The play promises a perfect night out at Blue Box, the ideal venue for this tension-filled and startling play.
“I am a fan of psychological thrillers and stories that keep people on the edge of their seats, so I can’t wait to see the audience’s reaction,” concludes Mr Oliver. “The play will take them on a terrifying journey with an injured man, trapped in a house occupied by his number one fan. Will he escape before she kills him? There’s only one way to find out… so book now!”
Performances of Misery will take place on 18, 19 and 23, 24, 25, 26 February 2023 at Blue Box at M Space. This production is suitable for audiences aged 14 and above. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.masquerademalta.com. Misery is supported by Arts Council Malta.
