THE Creeper lived up to its name during a very slow paced first half, which struggled to capture the audience's attention.

Although the play became slightly more interesting during the second half, it was uninspiring.

Reviving plays seems to be fashionable but perhaps this was one production best left in the 1960s

The plot follows a seemingly nave young man who wins employment as companion to an eccentric, elderly millionaire.

As he becomes accustomed to the finer things in life, his dark side emerges and there is a double murder.

During the first half, Ian Richardson provokes several laughs playing eccentric Edward Kimberly but his performance lacks energy at times.

The same problem applies to Oliver Dimsdale as Maurice who, despite a violent sleepwalking episode, hides his character's evil side a little too well.

Both performances become more entertaining in the second half, which contains most of the play's action and where the character's complexities are revealed.

Credit must go to Alan Cox as Kimberly's camp former companion Michael and Harry Towb as butler Holmes, for their strong character performances.

A set as oppressive as the creeper on the tree in Kimberly's garden also serves the play well.

The Creeper contains several thought provoking moments and continues until tomorrow (Saturday).

Jo Lafferty