Charley’s Aunt
September 30, 2007
Charley’s Aunt, Theatre Royal, Newcastle
Written by Brandon Thomas in 1892 Charley’s Aunt is a three act play that could easily be classed as well past its sell by date if it were not performed by such strong cast.
Charley’s Aunt if the title is Dona Lucia Dalvadorez who is travelling from Brazil (where the nuts come from) to meet her nephew at Oxford. When she sends a letter stating she cannot arrive panic sets in for Charles and his friend Jack as they need the Aunt to act as chaperone to the two girls they are madly in love with. So as not to be out done they convince Lord Fancourt Babberley to pretend to be the aunt. From then on chaos ensues as the real Aunt actually arrives, while the pretend Aunt suddenly finds she has unwanted suitors of her own.
While this production is fast paced and there are several excellent comic set pieces by Director Mel Smith it is Stephen Tompkinson who is the driving force behind the show.
Tompkinson (TVs Wild at Heart and Drop the Dead Donkey) takes this part by the throat and makes it his own. Spending most of the time in a large crinoline dress he makes every use of its swishing skirt and aside glances at the audiences. He seems to be having a ball in this role and if he is not I take my hat off to his acting skills as it certainly appeared to be that way.
While all the other members of the cast are competent in their roles it is Tompkinson who is the driving force and without him I fear this play would appear very dated indeed.
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