Newport’s, Dolman Theatre took on the chic yet vulgar opulence of an ex-pat villain’s Spanish villa, in Richard Harris’ comedy thriller, Going Straight.

In the capable hands of director Catherine Cook, the menacing twists and turns of the plot gave the audience a comic yet often unsettling insight into British villainy.

A small cast of five more than rose to the occasion.

Retired crooks Micky, William Smith-Haddon and Ray, Bob Brown set the scene in the first act, taking the lion’s share of the dialogue and explaining their previous gangland connection.

In two convincing performances, Micky’s greed and menace was perfectly offset by the misplaced loyalty of his now ailing, number two, Ray.

However, it was when their respective wives, Francine and Brenda along with supposed television journalist Polly, picked up the mantle in the second act, that the drama and pace really took off.

Clare Drewett brought brash Brenda to life, confident yet above all inciteful, she successfully exposed the tensions between the men, which had, previously, only been hinted at, and ultimately proved herself more than a match for the deceit and double-cross of Micky.

In a solid performance, submissive, yet condescending Francine, Nicola Carlyle further highlighted his increasing danger whilst it was eventually left to a studied performance by Ros Jones-Griffiths as Polly to fully expose the plot and drive the play to a very satisfactory conclusion.

Don’t miss it. You have until Saturday to catch it