Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

APOS had the privilege of staging the Scottish Amateur premiere of this new show and it proved to be very well received by the audiences. The script followed the pattern of recent new musicals being adapted from the 1988 film of the same name and the story was of wealthy ladies on the Riviera being tricked (apparently willingly or naively) into parting with money or jewellery to professional tricksters. All depends in this show on the casting of the six main principals as the story must move quickly from scene to scene to achieve maximum effect. Likewise, the pace of the racy (and at times, raunchy) humour must be sustained throughout as must the action with many quick scene changes effected by blackouts and smart (and costumed) stage hands.
The lead, James Nicol, brought to life the role of Lawrence Jameson, the polished and sophisticated con artiste plying his wiles on the Riviera – a huge part to learn and act as he is central to the plot. Only slightly less demanding was the role of Freddy, played by Adam Dawson as a brash young American, also a con man and known in the “trade” as The Jackal - but not quite in the same league as Lawrence. Graeme Strawhorn took the role of Andre Thibault, Lawrence’s side-kick and body-guard. A deal is struck between Lawrence and Freddy to resolve their rivalry as con-men – the first to relieve a willing and naive rich lady arriving at the Hotel can stay in town and the loser will leave.
A likely target duly arrives in the form of blonde bombshell Christine Colgate (Sharon McDonald). There is much intrigue involving Muriel Eubanks (Olive Lindsay) – not as straight or naive as she is portrayed and Jolene Oakes (Paula Payne), one of Lawrence’s former victims whom he has rashly promised to marry. The plot has many twists and turns – and who stings who in the end? You’ll have to go and see this show to find out!

The cast was ably enhanced by the other principals and by an ensemble of hotel guests, hotel staff and the like. A seven piece Band produced a grand sound for the pit.

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