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By
Rosie Hetherington
This
is definitely not for the sensitive, politically correct non-smoker.
Billed, as the art of dangerous comedy there is little danger of
splitting your sides with laughter. Your parents may have found
the jokes funny in their day but the subjects are now slightly uncomfortable.
A cult classic now studied as literature, it remains a political
piece of early seventies socialism.
The
music of George Formby sets the tone for these wannabe comics. Comedy
even alternative comedy is all about timing. It is difficult to
tell how much of the poor timing is intentional and how much is
first night nerves.
The
non–existent programme may have been a mistake or a deliberate
choice by an embarrassed cast. It proved no match for this investigative
reporter.
Here
is my inside scoop on this stereotypical cast:
Nick
Maud is effective as “Eddie Waters” the veteran comic,
teaching this evening class with integrity.
Adam
Regan is amusing as “Ged Murray” the cheeky milkman, one
half of the double act “Sugar and Spice”.
Former
child actor Cameron Powrie, is convincingly smooth as “Phil
Murray” the straight half of the double act.
Aled
Roberts is electric as “Gethin Price” the aggressive bovver
boy keeping everyone on edge with his unpredictable behaviour.
Conal
McLean is actually funny as “George McBrain” the Ed Byrnes
type of Irish comic.
Niall
Canny is slightly less funny as “Mick Connor” the other
Irish comic.
Arron
Ferster is cheerfully amusing as “Sammy Samuels” the Jewish
comic.
Fred
Brown doubles up well as the “Caretaker” and “Bert
Challenor” the cockney judge of this comedy talent show.
Bob
Nelson-Sullivan is competent as the “Concert Secretary”
of the bingo hall. As the director of this play he may need more
study.
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views expressed in these comments are those of the contributor's
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