A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM

‘A Funny thing happened on the way to the Forum’ is based on the plays of the Greek playwright Plautus. Consisting of Miles Gloriosus (or the boastful soldier) Mostellaria, (the ghost) where a young man is in love with a courtesan, Persa and Pseudolus about a cunning slave and Poenulus about a traveller seeking his children who have been kidnapped by pirates. Stephen Sondheim, Larry Gelbart and Burt Shevelove have taken all these characters and combined them into a witty, bawdy romp set to some of Sondheim’s wittiest lyrics.

The story concerns Pseudolus, a wily Roman slave (Jonathan Cooke) who desperately desires his freedom from his young master Hero (Russell Alder). Pseudolus, who acts as narrator for the play ‘Comedy Tonight’, strikes a deal with Hero when he realises he is in love with the beautiful, sweet courtesan Philia (Christina Holmes). Pseudolus goes to the brothel owner Marcus Lycus (Alan Paine) pretending that it is he who wishes to purchase a courtesan for himself.  Poor Pseudolus is shown a ‘bevy’ of beauties for his delight played hilariously by the members of the chorus known as the Proteans. Unfortunately, Philia is unavailable as she has already been bought by the captain of the Roman Guard, Miles Gloriosus, played with pompous grandiosity by Thomas Peckham. Pseudolus manages to buy Hero some time with Philia by pretending that she has the plague; he also blackmails the Head slave Hysterium (David Allerton) to assist him. Things really go awry when Senex (Jerry Smith) returns home and Philia mistakes him for her new owner. Obviously, there are lots of mix ups and misunderstandings along the way (and some very catchy songs) before everything is finally sorted out.

The Musical Director (Chris Hinkins) provided a mixture of live and recorded music which was performed very well.  Despite a small stage, the set was impressive and used throughout with Roman scenery consisting of pillars, fountains and a balcony. Some of the scenery had been used the first time the show had been performed in 2000!  In true farce style, there were plenty of doors and entrances, so the cast could move about easily resulting in the usual farcical misunderstandings. This was especially well used when Pseudolus, desperate to lose the vicious Roman Guards, danced and cavorted across the stage, with them in hot pursuit. The lighting was used well illuminating the stage so that every detail could be seen. There was also good use of the spotlight for the solos and duets. Costumes were basic but in keeping with the Roman period.

Special mention goes to Jonathan Cooke whose verbal skills and physical comedy had the audience laughing out loud. He really carried the show with lots of asides to the audience. He was ably supported by David Allerton in dead-pan straight guy mode desperately trying to keep ‘Calm’ and Jerry Smith who was a wonderfully lecherous Senex (echoing the late great Michael Hordern who played the part in the 1966 film.) Stand out song was ‘Everybody ought to have a maid’ which despite, a few hiccups, was hilariously performed. David Allerton’s reprise of ‘I’m Lovely’ was also a stand-out moment. Russell Alder’s lovesick Hero was perfect with lots of longing looks and his duet with Philia as the young lovers was very sweet. I liked Domina’s (Natasha Lowes) scenes with Senex and her song ‘That Dirty Old Man’ really highlighted her true feelings for her philandering husband. Erronius (Gwyn Williams) also deserves a mention as he hilariously went across the stage informing the audience how many laps of
the seven hills he had done. A small part but very well done.

Well done also to the Proteans, who in an assortment of costumes, managed to convey the general gist of the story playing courtesans (yes even the men!) Roman guards and Eunuchs. I especially loved Adele Simpson’s Gemini!  All in all, a very funny show - credit to director Dominic Hinkins for bringing it to life for a modern audience. I came, I saw, I was thoroughly entertained.

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