Although not a stranger to the EAT stage (Ben was most recently seen in our 2024 production of Yes Prime Minister, pictured above), this is Ben’s directorial debut for our theatre. Find out more about him and his plans for our season opener, Deathtrap.

So, without giving anything away, what’s Deathtrap about?

Deathtrap tells the story of Sidney Bruhl and Clifford Anderson, who enter into a dangerous and cunning collaboration of writing a new thriller. On the surface, it would appear Sidney wants to restore the damaged reputation of his writing career after receiving a brilliant first draft of a script from the young writer, and Clifford simply wants the chance to work with a professional writer to help get his foot in the door. Are these motives really the case? What else is being planned and who is REALLY  in control?

Why Deathtrap?

I wanted to direct this play for the simple reason that I’ve been hooked on thrillers for many years now; or as Sidney Bruhl would say; “A disease called Thrilleritis Malignis’. Both the subtle and obvious humour really jumps off the page, and I found intriguing the challenge of bringing a likeable psychopath to the stage. 

How’s it been as a first-time director for the EAT?

Directing at the EAT for the first time has been both exciting and challenging. You have to have your hand in many pots so to speak, and trying to bring the all elements and attributes together, like the set, costume/props, lighting/sound etc. isn’t the easiest task as I’ve come to find (!); but, ultimately, everyone is on the same page and is working towards the same goal.

Tell us a little about your background in theatre.

Having first trained at Rose Bruford, I went on to work with different theatre companies in the area, where my first appearance at the EAT was nearly 10 years ago in the stage production of the television show, Allo Allo in which I played the colourful Lieutenant Gruber. Also appearing at Erith Playhouse and the Geoffrey Whitworth Theatre, some personal favourites would have to be Bertie Wooster in Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense (Erith Playhouse), George in The York Realist ( Geoffrey Whitworth Theatre) and Peter Evans in Bug (Edward Alderton Theatre). You can also catch me here performing later this season in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.

In Deathtrap, Sidney is struggling with “writer’s block”. How would you get over a lack of inspiration?

I’d need the simple distraction of a cat to my left, an English Bulldog to my right, a charming quiet English pub in the countryside as my setting with a pint of Guiness and I’d be good to go.

Why should people come and see Deathtrap?

 If you want an evening that will constantly keep you guessing to the end of who has the upper hand, who is going to live to the end as well as a both dark and witty feel; then do come along and support this show for the opening of the 50th Season at the Edward Alderton.

Deathtrap runs from 18^th to 25^th October (no performance Sunday).

Book now at www.ticketsource.co.uk/edwardalderton