Thrill Me is a gripping 90-minute musical that demands your attention. It is a twisted tale of two killers and explores their devotion, desperation, and downfall.
This show has a cult following, and I now understand why. Stephen Dolginoff's book tells a story based on a true crime in a compelling manner, with music and lyrics that drive the narrative forward.
Richard Loeb (Rufus Kampa) and Nathan Leopold (Jamie Kaye) are young men playing a dangerous game of thrills. Loeb is an adrenaline junkie who gets off on committing petty crimes, whilst Leopold's desire for Loeb getting him off, turns him into a semi-willing accomplice.
Leopold's complicity is based on a blood contract, rewarding him with devotion, but when the thrill of petty crimes wanes, Loeb seeks a bigger thrill - murder.
Told from Leopold's point of view as he attempts to get parole, Kaye switches between past and present, with a simple yet very effective lighting change on the stage. The downlight gives him a gaunt appearance, before we swing back in time to a lighter 1924. Lighting and sound are well managed throughout the performance.
Kaye's vocal tone is clear and controlled, with a nice vibrato. When Kampa and Kaye duet, they achieve some lovely harmonies: the MD, Richard Seaman, plays the piano accompaniment live throughout the show. The musical numbers were faultless such as ‘Nothing Like a Fire' - It is a standout sensual number. The show crescendos with ‘Life Plus 99 Years/Finale', which ties up the story with the perfect twist.
This is a story of mad love that is as satisfying as it is horrifying. The battle of wits and manipulation of two brilliant minds lost to depravity makes for a powerful show.
Already sold out, the show has extended its run at Waterloo East due to demand. Tickets: here.
Review: James Dix