Reviewed by Paul Davies
October 2014
When it comes to bedroom farce, TTP has found its strength, and consistently puts out these “Whoops there go my trousers” pieces. And “a bedfull” is archetypal.
I’m not sure that the plot actually matters, even at times to the cast. who were all having a great evening, as were their audience.
Not enough bedrooms in a French hotel, couples having to share a room, infidelities to be hidden, confusions to be exacerbated, plumbing to be abseiled with. A stripper dressed as a nun, various cast members wearing a cowl and a running gag involving a feathered hat. -Well you get the idea!
Holly Holliday has directed tightly, and keeps the action cracking along.
Andrew Dowling as Stanley takes the lead by the horns and never stops as the romp runs away. I always like an actor who keeps acting even when he’s not! Frank Cwiertniak has deadpan to a fine art. I’m not sure how he kept a straight face at times. Terry Boswell as the porter looked like he was having a great time.
It’s great to see Geogia Stockman back on stage. She performed like she’d never been away. Always great value. Chris Galipo and Nick Hargreaves as the Philbys showed their experience at every turn. Always in command, always in their comfort zone. The excellent whole ensemble was capped off by Charlotte Potter as Simone. Her French accent was brilliant, and brought to mind Inspector Clouseau for me. Although I’m not sure Peter Sellers ever did a strip-tease!
The audience had a great night, there is no doubt. Occasionally laughs were trodden on, but I’m sure that will change once it’s known where they are. Well done TTP. I think you raised your bar!
