Diss Express
28th June 2002
Moliere’s 17 th Century comedy could be sub-titled An Enema of the People, as it has more bowel jokes than a Carry On Film.
Mad Dogs and Englishmen, fresh from their success with Searching for Mrs Dickens, have been touring again.
Theatre like this is timeless, stretching back to the masks of commedia, and forward to topical jokes and character you recognise.
Araceli Parish, so brilliant in the Dickens show, I a pint-sized grand actress. Her diminutive stature and powerful presence meant he was ideal for the maid who rules the roost. She is also a considerable comedienne.
Ann Courtney, who also directs, created another monster wife in the Dickens tradition, matched by Claire Worland’s gawky and gushy daughter.
Stephan Drury achieved a delicious comic balance as the suitor masquerading as a music teacher. Then, entering like a demented spider, to give colonic help, he was so funny you felt he had created a new morality character called Enema.
The title character is something of a morality figure, too, being just a hypochondriac.
Nick Murray Brown’s part is a pivot for the others; and he held his place strongly.
The show pleased a large audience, from young children to elderly people.
This is a company you will want to see again and again. |
