The Ladykillers

Adapted from the film by Graham Linehan, The Ladykillers is a classic black comedy involving a sweet old landlady alone in her house, pitted against a gang of criminal miss-fits, planning a robbery whilst purporting to rehearse as members of an orchestra in their rented room.

Kate Goode as ‘Mrs Wilberforce’ the landlady, was just right as the sweet and gullible old lady, who proved she can be easily led, as depicted in the first scene with ‘Constable Macdonald’ who eventually explains that amongst several examples of over-reaction, she may not have actually met representatives from Nazi Germany! Nigel Payne as the Constable, establishes his character as the local bobby well, with some early humour as he pacifies Mrs Wilberforce.

The first of the gang of 5 characters, ‘Professor Marcus’ arrives and agrees to rent the room. David Goode fulfils the giant of a role with great style, expression and comedy timing throughout. Lingering at the door before entering immediately gives the impression that something underhand may be afoot and David is responsible for many laugh-out- loud moments, not least when he applies perfect timing to shut the door in the face of one of the visiting ladies, later in the play.

One by one the Professor’s team of miss-fit villains arrive; the charming ‘Major Courtney’ (James Cowlishaw) with a liking for ladies dresses, ‘One Round’ (John Birchley) completely lacking in awareness and eventually gives the game away, ‘Harry Robinson’ (Jimmy Hill) prone to popping pills to correct his mood with a serious OCD cleaning problem, and Luis Harvey (Paul Steele) otherwise known as ‘The Assassin’ with a clear dislike of old ladies. There was not a weak link between them, all making the most of their characters with great comedy timing.

Due to a miss-understanding the gang are forced into an unplanned ‘concert’ for the local ladies, with good support from Mrs Tromleyton (Glynis Smith) who like the others was easily captivated.

Mrs Wilberforce unwittingly becomes embroiled in the robbery herself, however in the end she becomes wise to the deception and when realising there is only one way to keep the old lady quiet, the gang are one by one killed off by each other in their attempts to murder her. Even when Professor Marcus faces Mrs Wilberforce alone, he seals his own grizzly fate.

The split level set, as is often the case for the Norbury Players, was exceptional, fully furnished for the era and even the parrot albeit unseen, was amusing. I liked the short pieces of music and train noises covering scene changes. This was an excellent production by Anne Lane, assisted by Jack Gandy.

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