by Christine Sarkes and Erika Sasseville (a mother/daughter review)

Sleuth at the Guthrie Theater now through May 10 is a plot-twisting, wildly entertaining whodunit in the mode of Agatha Christie but slightly darker and campier. The acting is superb, with moments of comic genius. And the set design by Todd Rosenthal is so magnificent and full of fascinating objects, it becomes its own character in the play. Anthony Shaffer’s 1970 play Sleuth was a massive success, winning the 1971 Tony Award for Best Play. The 1972 film version earned four Academy Award nominations and starred Laurence Olivier and Michael Caine.

The setting is a quirky, overstuffed country manor in England, ‘some years ago’. The plot involves a battle of wits between Andrew Wyke (Ramiz Monsef), an uber eccentric mystery writer and Milo Tindle (John Tufts), a handsome, younger Londoner having an affair with Wyke’s wife. Wyke allows Tindle to stay at his manor cottage, invites him over for drinks and then convinces Tindle that he is happy to end his stale marriage in favor of life with his Scandinavian mistress. To maintain the indulgent lifestyle to which they are accustomed, Wyke manipulates Tindle into staging a fake robbery to steal jewels, initiating a dangerous game of deception. There are many twists and turns in this clever play and the creative team incorporates several Easter eggs into the set and costuming. Pay attention to subtle and clever set changes in the second act.

Monsef soars as the effete, narcissistic Wyke. He dominates the stage with his comic timing and physical humor. Tufts is also excellent as Tindle, transforming him from a hapless victim of Wyke’s manipulation into something slightly more dangerous. The play is sharper and more adult-themed than most cozy British mysteries but manages to stay comfortably light and comedic.

Sleuth, play by Anthony Shaffer. Directed by Kimberly Senior, scenic design by Todd Rosenthal, costume design by Shahrzad Mazaheri, lighting design by Anshuman Bhatia. Single tickets range from $35 to $94 (handling fees included). Purchase single and group tickets (minimum requirement of 15 per group) through the Box Office at 612.377.2224 (single), 1.877.447.8243 (toll-free), 612.225.6244 (group) or online at guthrietheater.org.