★★★★★
Criterion Theatre, London
The Comedy About A Bank Robbery stars the writers of this and the already highly successful The Play That Goes Wrong. So have they continued their success with a play that goes right?
The lights don’t just dim, we are plunged into darkness and the performance starts with a fast-paced opening scene. The long title does the job of explaining what this show is about so I don’t have to. However, what I will say is that it also includes hilarious cross identities, infidelity, an incredible set (David Farley), some exquisite harmonised conjoining scene changes and lots of side-splitting humour!
Mischief Theatre are an innovative collaborators most of whom have their basis in improvisation. The writers, who also act in this show, are Henry Lewis (Robin Freeboys), Jonathan Sayer (Warren Slax) and Henry Shields (Mitch Ruscitti). The fact that their art has this base means that if one of their elaborate scenes doesn’t quite go according to the meticulous rehearsed scenario they can cope, we would be none the wiser and this shows.
The cleverly written script, effortlessly delivered with precision timing by all the cast, was a sheer delight to experience and had the audience guffawing from the opening seconds to the curtain down. Some of the scenes were technically difficult, one of which I have to mention is a scene where they are supposedly crawling through the air conditioning whilst two of the cast are below. At first it was mind-blowing to work out how they do it and then just hysterical watching it unfold.
Other deserved mentions include Greg Tannahill (Cooper) Chris Leask (Everyone Else) Nancy Wallinger (Ruth Monaghan) whose voice was sublime. Dave Hearn (Sam Monaghan) and Charlie Russell (Caprice Freeboys) whose on the spot quick delivery was on point at every moment of her performance.
It really is delightful to see basic outstanding comic genius in the West End. Play on words, double entendres and fast action energetic precision comedy timing are all here in abundance. I must say some of the moves had me wondering how many bruises the cast sustain every night, as my goodness they work hard.
It is slapstick fun in a new comedy farce, with an excellent cast and the writing is stupendous! Go see the comedic genius’ who have just landed at the Criterion Theatre NOW!
The Comedy About A Bank Robbery – Criterion Theatre
★★★★★”Go see the comedic genius’ who have just landed at the Criterion Theatre NOW!”
