Out of Order

Out of Order is one of the many splendid farces from the pen of Ray Cooney. Written in 1990 it has been performed around the world, but goodness knows what other cultures make of its archetypal British humour. It features a government minister trying to have an illicit affair with the Leader of the Opposition’s secretary. They discover an apparently dead body in their room and chaos ensues as they try to dispose of it and deal with a defective sash window. As with all farce, a plausible premise quickly escalates into surreal improbability.

The first two words I jotted down afterwards were “manic” and “exhausting”, and so it was, right from the start. It was exhausting for the audience as well as the actors and it was a relief to reach the interval and take a breather! Director Teresa Encke’s well-chosen cast somehow managed to keep up the breakneck speed throughout, rushing about the stage, slamming doors, losing clothes, and being trapped by the sash window.

Leader of the mayhem was Richard Meeson as the misbehaving minister, Richard Whilley. What an amazing job he did, hardly ever off stage and credibly adding further layers to the confusion at each twist and turn of the improbable plot. I admire his stamina, and also that of James Batchelor who played his PPS George Pigden. He was rather reminiscent of P.G. Wodehouse’s character Gussy Fink-Nottle in his brilliant ability to show an ever-increasing level of bewilderment at all the bizarre missions he is sent on, and his gradual transformation from shy and innocent to lusty lothario.

Rowenna Gordon gave a sterling performance as Jane Worthington, secretary of the Leader of the Opposition and object of the minister’s affections. Bravely scampering around in her undergarments, she made the character very believable. John McCormack provided great humour as her husband Ronnie, especially when her forgot his wig! Tony Smith was very charismatic as the waiter Harold, always after a generous tip for helping stir up the chaos. Georgina Boase as the minister’s wife Pamela, and Jo Walker as Nurse Foster both made very credible mature ladies with their ardent interest in seducing poor George, while Robert Haines and Jacqui Hand completed the cast as the Hotel Manager and chamber maid respectively. But I cannot finish without giving a huge well-done to Patrick Curran who played the not-so-dead private detective, Jack Baker. He was so noble to allow himself to be manhandled, pulled through windows, stuffed into cupboards, thrown onto the floor (and much more) without laughing or emitting the slightest sound. No one has ever suffered for their art quite so much as Patrick!

Of course, the star of the show was the sash window. So beautifully made, along with the rest of the lovely (and sturdy) box set, by Paul Foster, Toby Finch and Jon Hollingsworth. The window looked most realistic and sounded really solid, closing with a satisfying “thunk” each time it was released - with perfect timing - by its “wranglers” Anne McCormack and Shannon Cooper (I’m so glad you were able to take a well-deserved bow at the end).

Wardrobe, make-up and props (Liz McKellar, Sue Smith and Karen Curren) all looked right for the period, and lighting and sound were spot on too, and proceedings were well co-ordinated by Stage Manager Christina Collier.

Farce is not a genre for the faint-hearted, but with an experienced director and talented cast, this production achieved a delirious momentum and we, the audience, were delighted to go along for the ride. More please!!!

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