Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

I have never seen the film with Steve Martin and Michael Caine or the show so this gem was a joy for me to watch.

Director, Ray Jeffrery wanted a classy show and this one had class in abundance. With the simple set, the set pieces and furniture being brought on and off seamlessly by the cast the show never flagged. His choice of colours during the production were simply divine; from the Red and Black costumes in the opening number ‘Give them what they want’ to the gorgeous pink and mauve number in ‘Here I am’ and later on, the all black costume scene,  not forgetting the  nuns costumes, and the airport staff; the list goes on. Wardrobe mistress Lynette Sullivan should be commended as she had really worked her magic as had also Patsy Page with her superb wigs. Both of which made every actor exude class.

The orchestra lead by Musical Director, Bryan Cass, were a delight and totally professional in their approach.

The Scoundrels were the sophisticated and charming Barry Hester as Lawrence Jameson and David Slater as Andre Thibault the corrupt police officer. Barry Hester impersonated a Prince and an Austrian Doctor with ease. He oozed his way round the stage with confidence and pizzazz.  Singing well throughout except for right at the beginning when he sounded quite gruff and we were not able to hear what he was singing, but he soon got into his stride and was excellent. David Slater as Andre Thibault was a joy; his scene with the rich attractive American Muriel Eubank (sung beautifully by Helen Hart) was hilarious.

The Song ‘Like Zis, Like Zat’ really brought Act 2 into life. Totally comical with Andre in his socks and suspenders looking like a wild Richard Branson; I found myself laughing out loud- superb!

The other scoundrel was Freddy Benson played with outstanding energy and pace by Kieran Bacon. His acting in ‘All about Ruprecht’, again had me in stitches.  His physical comedic humour was one of the keys to this production.

Jolene Oaks played by Helen Meah was also a star turn. A little Dolly Parton in white leathers, cowboy boots and huge Dolly Parton blonde wig; she shone on stage and I loved the ‘Oklahoma’ scene with the cowboy costumed ensemble.

The choreography by Becs Dixon for this show was fabulous and again should be commended with such a large cast

Claire Carr as Soap Queen, Christine Colgate, was well cast by the director. Strong and sassy with great presence on stage, her face lit up like her yellow dress, bright and sunny. Her first entrance ‘Here I am’ was cleverly choreographed in a hotel trolley routine and her costumes were stunning. Claire has great charisma on stage and excellent acting ability.

The whole ensemble worked hard and took us all to the French Riviera and away from the snow outside. A great team who obviously enjoyed being on stage. It was also nice to see a good curtain call with a difference. Huge congratulations to you all, we enjoyed the whole show and definitely would come and see it again. This was a truly exceptionally directed and performed piece which every one of the cast should be proud to have given the audience ‘what they want!’

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