Ian Rankin’s Rebus returns to the stage at Poole’s Lighthouse

Rebus by Ian Rankin is returning, but as a stage production visiting The Lighthouse in Poole on November 26.

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Following the success of the book series and BBC’s TV adaptation of Ian Rankin’s Rebus, it’s getting adapted into a stage production. The stage production is called ‘Rebus: A Game Called Malice?’. For those who aren’t familiar with the story, it is centred around a detective parlour game that’s been created by the hostess at a dinner party.

The guests must work together to solve a murder; however, secrets are being revealed and people are starting to get suspicious. Character Stephanie Jeffries is played by Abigail Thaw. Abigail Thaw has appeared in multiple television shows, films and plays, but may be best known for her role of Dorothea Frazil in the detective series Endeavour.



Abigail reveals that her character Stephanie calls rebus to the house of the dinner party to investigate her friend, Harriet Godwin’s marriage, played by Teresa Banham. The show is currently involved in a twelve-venue tour, which started in early September this year at Cambridge Arts Theatre. Rebus landed at The Lighthouse in on November 26 and will have its last show on November 30, for the last week of its tour.

She exclaimed that she was extremely excited to be returning to Poole after 25 years, stating that: “it’s beautiful, it’s a beautiful part of the world.” Abigail has been working alongside Gray O’Brien, Billy Hartman, Teresa Banham, Neil McKinven and Jade Kennedy. Abigail stated that she’s thoroughly enjoyed working alongside the talented individuals, saying that: “We’ve had a really good time”.

She also reflected on her time working with Ian Rankin: "Working with Ian Rankin has been fantastic and an absolute privilege." She said: "It’s been really interesting having him around, because he’s a novelist, he’s a writer, he’s a great writer." Abigail stated that: "If I were to take anything away from this experience, it would be simplicity and good old storytelling.

" She describes the play as "very cleverly constructed", and for the audience not to worry as it will "all become clear". For anyone interested in attending the play, Abigail states that: "I have yet to meet anybody who didn’t sit back and really enjoy it.".