Stephen Tompkinson is a much underrated comic actor. He may be known to millions in the family TV drama, Wild At Heart but here he displays a real knack for making people laugh out loud. Quite a feat, as Brandon Thomas' farce was first staged in 1892. It has since been seen all over the world attracting the likes of Noel Coward, Rex Harrison and John Gielgud to the role of the Aunt. From the moment this sweet natured comedy begins, the audience begins laughing as there is something very quaint and inoffensive about the whole thing. Jack and Charles are completely smitten by Kitty and Amy, but they cannot spend time with them unless there is a female chaperone in the room. Help comes in the form of Charley's aunt, the mysterious Donna Lucia D’Alvadorez from Brazil - where the nuts come from.
The problem is the fop has never met his aunt so has no idea what she looks like. When she fails to arrive, Jack cooks up a plan which involves persuading friend and amateur thespian, Lord Fancourt Babberley (Tompkinson) to play dress up.
Hilarity then ensues as anyone who has watched Basil Fawlty, The Marx Brothers and even the film Tootsie will testify. This farce then rattles along nicely; as each door swings open, guests are taken in by the manly woman - with some older gents even vying for 'her' attention. All the while, the gifted Tompkinson is having a complete ball which hopefully, rubs off on the audience.
And it does, for a while. The problem is three acts of tumbles, chases, and more slapstick involving quirky characters does start to wear a bit thin. Michael Frayn has really kicked farce into touch via his clever and hilarious Noises Off, which leaves this old classic looking like a museum piece. But the midweek audience on the night I went laughed throughout, so you can’t argue with its timeless appeal.
David Partridge’s Jack and Marty Cruickshank as the real ‘aunt’ bring a touch of quality to this light and breezy piece.
Mel Smith directs with a fairly slack hand as the play is too long and could do with tightening. He seems to wring every ounce of humour from the script and as a result you might end up feeling slightly fatigued.
- Glenn Meads (reviewed at The Lowry, Salford)
