Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Based on the film, “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” tells the tale of two competing con men on the French Riviera; one experienced and suave takes the other a rookie con man, under his wing. At times they work together, with hilarious effect, but in competition both end up losing out.

Our suave and sophisticated con man ‘Lawrence Jameson’, played by Chris Sugars in every way fitted that description. His diction was clear; whether refined English, German or Spanish, all was audible. Some difficult musical numbers were also well performed. His protégé con man’ Freddy Benson’, played by Paul Robinson was a great foil and the scenes as a deranged brother ‘Ruprecht’ and a wheel chair bound  navy officer paralysed from the waist down, when being treated by Lawrence’s alias ‘Dr Shuffhausen’ were very funny.

An accomplice of Jameson, ‘Andre Thibault’ played by Alan Nicholls gave good support and his number with ‘Murial Eubanks’ (Vicky Moloney)  was endearing and worked well. Another to express her feelings to Lawrence was ‘Jolene Oakes’ from Oklahoma played by Stacie Jordon who sang well and raises a laugh making Lawrence dance to gun shots!  Last to arrive is ‘Christine Colgate’ played by Jo Hargreaves, who had great stage presence and a voice to match. Perhaps the heroine of the story or the biggest scoundrel of all, she finally outwits the con-men in great style.

A small chorus worked hard throughout – a special mention for the French accordion player Carl Smythe and his great facial expressions. At times I felt the orchestra overpowered a little and a note for wardrobe -  please check if the men need braces, but  this was a good production by Ellie Taylor and another demonstration of the breadth of theatre that this Company stage well. Congratulations to all involved.

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