The Daughter of Time at Charing Cross Theatre Review

Written by Philip for Theatre & Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

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Debuting at Charing Cross Theatre, M. Kilburg Reedy’s new play, based on the celebrated crime novel by Josephine Tey, ‘The Daughter of Time’, tells the tale of Inspector Alan Grant and the mystery surrounding Richard III and the cold case of the disappearance and murder of his nephews.

Set in London in 1950, we meet Grant as he is laid up in hospital with only boredom filling his days. His close friend and famous actress Marta Hallard encourages him to engage his brain in some detective work by looking at the faces of historical figures. Grant quickly becomes transfixed by a portrait of Richard III and sets out to prove him innocent of the heinous crimes he has been accused of over 400 years before. With the help of some friends, old and new, Grant launches a thorough investigation from his hospital bed. Meanwhile, Marta and her friend, colleague and equally famous actor, Nigel Templeton, hatch a plan regarding Grant of a much more romantic nature.  

While Josephine Tey’s novel is widely regarded as one of the greatest crime novels ever written, even being voted number 1 by The British Crime Writers Association, this adaptation feels rather more safe. With the protagonist laid up for most of the first act and the other characters gathered around his bedside, the direction, by Jenny Eastop, felt very static. A novel allows the reader license for imagination. I wish more imagination had been used in this production. I didn’t hate it. It was very pleasant, but like I’d stepped back in time. Kilburg Reedy’s book was quaint but came in at a whopping 2 hours 25 minutes. There were a lot of words and a lot of speaking, but not much else. When names of historical kings, queens, dukes, earls, lords and ladies are being thrown out - it can be hard to keep track if you lose concentration for a moment. 

While the above may indicate that I really disliked the play, that isn’t the case. I thought it was witty in places and had a nice story. It was interesting to watch how the full investigation took place. As each new piece of the puzzle fell into place. I just wish it was a little more dynamic and slightly shorter. Though I do appreciate that it is hard when your protagonist is stuck in a hospital bed. It was, however, wonderfully performed, and when it comes to the central performances themselves, the cast did very well.

Rob Pomfret was a splendid Alan Grant. Watching his range of emotions when it came to Marta was lovely. Rachel Pickup and Noah Huntley were joyful as Grant’s love interest, Marta Hallard and her meddling thespian best friend Nigel Templeton, respectively. The rest of the cast were a talented bunch made up of Hafsa Abbasi as the theatre-loving Nurse Ingham, Janna Fox as the no-nonsense history buff Nurse Darroll and Sanya Adegbola as the weary but good-natured colleague of Alan Grant, Sergeant Williams. A special mention goes to Harrison Sharpe, who was scene stealing as American journalist Brent Carradine. Sharpe had an infectious, joyous energy about him. Another brilliant showcase for ‘The Daughter of Time’ was the set. Bob Sterrett’s scenic design was very clever indeed, transferring part of the stage from a hospital room into a cosy booth at the Ivy was incredibly effective. Such an ingenious way to use every aspect of the small amount of space available. 

‘The Daughter of Time’ is most definitely worth a look. It is a piece of theatre that matches the time period it is set in.

‘The Daughter of Time’ is playing at Charing Cross Theatre until 13th September 2025

★ ★ ★