Dead Funny – Hope Street Theatre

From the multiple awards that this show has previously won, my expectations were relatively high. I was pleasantly surprised when the curtains rose as Chamber’s had transformed the intimate space into a quirky 90s living room.

In my opinion, the show is a slow starter but worth the wait. As a young audience member, many of references to comedians went over my head. However, if you’re up to speed with the likes of Benny Hill and Frankie Howard, then the recreations of their sketches in this performance will live-up to their comedic value. That said, the commitment to these personas brought to life by these actors, specifically Steven Arnold and Adam Perrott, still brought a smile to my face.

Perrott’s performance was a highlight. His character Brian brought an exuberance to the stage from his first entrance and drew much of the focus, in which the other actors had to keep up with. He managed to balance the exaggerated persona with sensitive topics that brought a needed light to the shade of the darker storylines around him.

At times, the piece lost energy. During Act 1 where a lot of the dialogue was heavy on comedian references, lots of the laughs were lost. However, Act 2 felt like a completely different show. One thing that I wasn’t expecting, as well as other audience members, was the sexual narrative that takes place alongside the Dead Funny Society. The play is as concerned with sexuality, specifically Richard’s lack of sexual drive for his wife Ellie, and his shock affair with Nick’s wife Lisa. Therefore, the end of the first act where sexual references are most apparent, unfortunately meant that audience members didn’t stay for the second half. Yet, that’s where the standard of performance really stood out.

Ellie, played by Kathryn Chambers had the most challenging character arc. She handled the character’s increasing alcohol consumption with a presence that didn’t feel forced, and her disdain towards Richard after she finds out about the affair and the baby, is honest and raw.

Steven Arnold’s experience came to life in Act 2 as well. He was the right person to play Nick, as his vigour and conviction raised the stakes in the performance’s most tense arguments.  

Overall, all performances by the end of the show maintained the standard that the award-winning show required. If you would like an evening where cream pies are thrown and A cappella is sung, Dead Funny is a play that, if you stay till the end, will make you smile.

The show runs until Saturday February 18th and is bookable through this link: www.shorturl.at/fsMP4  

Reviewer: Hannah Esnouf

Reviewed: 15th February 2023

North West End UK Rating: ★★★