Rope is Patrick Hamilton’s classic thriller inspired by the real life murder of a young boy in 1920 by two University of Chicago students.

Set in a Mayfair apartment, Rope centres on Wyndham Brandon and Charles Granillo, who have murdered their fellow student Ronald Kentley and deposited his body in a chest in their living room. Believing they are above common morality and suspicion, they invite Ronald’s father, aunt and several of their friends over for tea, served on the chest. 

Rope was first produced at the Strand theatre in 1929 and 20 years later was made into a film by Alfred Hitchcock, starring James Stewart.

English playwright and novellist Hamilton’s other work includes the plays Hangover Square and Gaslight, which was revived at the Old Vic last year.  

This revival of Rope is directed by acclaimed stage and screen director Roger Michell, whose recent theatre credits include The Female Of The Species at the Vaudeville, Betrayal and Old Times at the Donmar Warehouse, Landscape With Weapon and Blue/Orange at the National Theatre and numerous productions for the Royal Shakespeare Company. His work has been seen on screen in the films Notting Hill, Venus and Enduring Love. 

For more about Rope at the Almeida theatre, read the First Night Feature.