Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

With the customary, and very warm welcome, Helen and I were welcomed into the Foyer, which was packed and a buzz with anticipation. I was slightly ambivalent about reviewing this show, having seen it before and being left in more than two minds about it. How wrong was I. The Regent Centre is an old "Traditional" theatre in a 1920's Art Deco style, it has a real atmosphere which lends itself very well to "DRS". The show is based on the film of the same name and plots the shenanigans of two con-men trying to out con each other. Lasvish costumes, a great set and superb choreography set the show off at quite a pace, which never let up during the whole show. The orchestra, led by their MD Lee Marchant, were very good (if a bit loud in places, but I don't mind that at all, just occasionally some of the dialogue was lost) and kept the whole show moving.

A very strong principle line up, led by Martin Mansfield as Lawrence Jameson, Rob Arrowsmith as the protagonist Freddy and Catherine Smith and the love interest Christine, interacted very well with each other giving a very polished performance. Superbly backed up by Mark Ward as Andre and Beverley Harris as Muriel, both of whom deserve a mention. The cast of Bellboys, Maids, Nuns and general chorus were well drilled and the choreography was executed to a high standard. It was quite obvious that they were all enjoying themselves a great deal and this, accompanied by a high level of singing, came across to all of us in the audience, all of whom had a thoroughly enjoyable evening. As I alluded too earlier I feared I would not enjoy this show. The reality is that my mind has been completely changed. Well done Milton. 

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