S Poddar
Sir Ian Rankin Brings Inspector Rebus to the Stage
Crime fiction legends, Sir Ian Rankin has dabbled into a new genre by bringing his iconic detective character, Inspector John Rebus onto the stage. Currently playing at The Theatre Royal Bath, The play is titled A Game Called Malice.
Rankin, whose Rebus novels have been widely acclaimed, has written this new play for the stage with a great deal of care. The play opens up the very complex life of the detective to this reader through a fresh take on a character that has enthralled readers for years.
The stage adaptation follows an already successful BBC series early this year. The show brought in a fresh, younger Rebus, but Rankin’s new play brings the detective back into his familiar setting, the vibrant city of Edinburgh.
“Edinburgh is at the heart and soul of my books,” Rankin told us. “Bath may look and feel superficially different, but it’s very much the same, a city of secrets and intrigue beneath the beautiful exterior”.
Gray O’Brien, who stars in Coronation Street, will play Inspector Rebus in the stage version. Rankin is thrilled that his vision will be brought to life by such talented actors.
“Watching actors portraiture Rebus is a unique experience,” he said. “It’s like seeing a part of myself come to life on stage. Each actor brings their own interpretation to the character, and I’m constantly learning new things about Rebus through their performances.”
The play shows an old Rebus who was pulled out of his retirement and back to the criminous world when fortune made him a guest at an exclusive dinner party, only for the evening to reveal murder mystery.
“It is a complicated character, and I am constantly researching new aspects of his personality,” Rankin explained. “Writing about him is a voyage of discovery.”
A Game Called Malice is, on the whole, a must-see for Ian Rankin and Inspector Rebus fans. Here is the fresh and exciting twist on the beloved detective, bringing his world alive to the stage.
