This October, theatre lovers in Oxfordshire are in for a tense and thrilling evening as Abingdon Drama Club (ADC) is set to stage Rope, Patrick Hamilton’s celebrated psychological thriller, at the historic Unicorn Theatre in Abingdon.
Set to run from Wednesday 01 to Saturday 04 October 2025 at 7.30pm, with a special matinée on Saturday 04 October at 2.30pm, the production promises a captivating experience in one of the region’s most atmospheric venues. Tickets, priced at £15 (£12 concessions), are available in person at The Bookstore, 15 Bury Street (The Precinct), Abingdon.
Set in a 1920s Mayfair flat, Rope follows Wyndham Brandon and Charles Granillo, two privileged young men who commit a cold-blooded murder for intellectual satisfaction. Hiding the body in a trunk, they proceed to host a dinner party using the chest as a supper table, inviting, among others, the victim’s own father. As the evening progresses, tension mounts and suspicions rise. Will their perfect crime remain undiscovered, or will guilt and curiosity pull the lid off their deadly secret?
Originally staged in 1929 and famously adapted by Alfred Hitchcock, Rope remains a masterclass in suspense and moral unease. Director Lee Orchard, who brought a fresh take to this production, inspired by an unconventional first encounter with the story, said, “I was instantly hooked by the script. It’s dark, twisted, and full of suspense, everything I love in a play. The characters are rich, the stakes are high, and the setting is perfect for our beloved Unicorn Theatre.”
“Staging the play’s complex setting within the intimate confines of the Unicorn posed creative challenges, but Orchard remains confident. A lot of thought has gone into the set. It’s tight, but it works. And no, we won’t be using a real body!”
The production features a strong local cast:
- Wyndham Brandon – John Hawkins
- Charles Granillo – Darren Fellerdale
- Kenneth Raglan – David Fardon
- Leila Arden – Sara Phoenix
- Sir Johnstone Kentley – Martin Egglestone
- Mrs Debenham – Maria Crocker
- Rupert Cadell – Kieran Madden
- Sabot – Richard Wilson
Founded in 1944, Abingdon Drama Club is one of Oxfordshire’s longest-standing amateur theatre groups. Based at the Unicorn Theatre, the club has a rich tradition of staging classics, comedies, contemporary works, and original plays. It serves as a creative hub for actors, directors, designers, and technicians from all walks of life.
With community at its core, ADC continues to deliver high-quality theatre to Abingdon and beyond. Described as a “forgotten classic,” Rope is celebrated for its razor-sharp dialogue and psychological complexity. This production promises not just suspense, but also a deep dive into questions of morality, guilt, and the seductive nature of danger. For an unforgettable evening of edge-of-your-seat theatre, Rope is a must-see this autumn.
