This has to be one of the funniest productions I have seen in a long time. Once I got around the complexes of the plot (which took me until half way through the second act before I could fully comprehend what was going on) it was a joy to watch. The minimalistic scenery and props only added to the overall ambience of the play. I liked the way the scene changes were accompanied by the cast members taking turns at singing songs from the period in which the play was set (early 1960’s) and I was particularly taken with Mike Lamont and Terry Halliday’s vocals.
I will do my best to come up with a resume of the plot, but as I’ve said previously, there were many twists and turns in the storyline, but much of this was deliberate and I must apologise to the directors (Jake Martin and Terry Halliday) if I get some of this wrong. This could best be described as an atypical farce as was common around the era, but don’t think Brian Rix because you would be wrong. Although it did contain elements of slapstick (brought to life particularly by Steve Norman as the character of Alfie), for me most of the humour came from the way the cast delivered the script and the characterisations they portrayed. The “One man”, Francis Henshall played by Darren Stannage (coming out of retirement to take on the part originally played on stage by James Corden) and the “Two Guvnors”, Roscoe (or in fact Rachel) Crabbe played by the superb Kat Bond who must be one of the best character actresses I have come across; and Stanley Stubbers played by Martin Thorpe, who is actually Rachel’s boyfriend and had previously killed Roscoe.
Complicating matters further are the relationships between the two guvnors and their families and relations. Rachel’s boyfriend is Stanley; Charlie’s (Mike Lamont) daughter Pauline (Connie Crawford) is engaged to Roscoe (who is in fact Rachel) but Pauline is in love with Alan (Daniel Johnson), a wannabee actor; Charlie’s book-keeper Dolly (Helen Macey) is the object of Francis’s affections and he plans to lure her to a holiday in Majorca; and in the middle of all this, a number of (not-so willing) members of the audience are invited onto the stage to participate in the ongoing shenanigans! (Do you see what I mean about complicated relationships and that is only part of it!).
All ends well and all the people seem to live happily ever after. Congratulations must go to a highly professional performance by all the cast and particularly to Jake Martin for putting this complex piece of theatre together. Any mistakes in this review are mine alone, for which I apologise. The show runs until April 11th and seats are available for all remaining performances. It is well worth a viewing.
Reviewer: David S Clarke
Reviewed: 9th April 2025
North West End UK Rating:
Rating: 4 out of 5.
