A New Vic and Hull Truck Theatre adaptation of The Ladykillers has finished its run at The Stephen Joseph Theatre with roaring applause.
Directed by: Mark Babych
Written by: William Rose
Adapted by: Graham Lineham
Starring: Anna Kirke, Andy Gillies, Michael Hugo, Andrew Pollard, Matthew Rixon, Timothy Speyer, Matt Sutton
Touring: Hull Truck Theatre
Based on the Ealing Studios classic comedy, written by William Rose in 1955, follows Professor Marcus and his gang of criminals as they attempt to rob a bank.
Disguised as a string quintet, the group take up residence in the home of the elderly, lonely woman Mrs Wilberforce who constantly disturbs and interferes with their plans. As the narrative progresses, fights begin, arguments occur as the criminals try and succeed with their plan to escape with the stolen money.
As the times change, so does the comedy and this production knew how to cater for its audience, yet still managed to portray a 1950’s era.
Being familiar with the film and story before seeing the show, I already had expectations of the comedy but I can happily say that even I was, as the cliché says, ‘laughing my socks off’. I will admit, I did go home and find my dusty Ealing Studios box set to watch the classic but, as said, it didn’t have the same humour as the show.
This is an indefinite ‘hats off’ to the writer, Graham Linehan, who successfully produced a show that will leave all audiences of every age in stitches.
It was full of sexual innuendos and the actors occasionally broke the fourth wall in some cases.
Set in The Round, the set was large and full of detail. It brought together a picture of a 1950’s home and was more detailed than one may expect. From the urn through to the cockatoo cage, everything fitted on the stage and the actors cleverly used the stage by utilising each part of it, including the sections missing where they would occasionally use to create a brilliant comedy.
The production starred Andy Gillies, Michael Hugo, Andrew Pollard, Matthew Rixon, Timothy Speyer and Matt Sutton.
Anna Kirke starred as Mrs Wilberforce, who gave an exceptional performance. The way she performed the role as the feeble old woman was something to see. She really moulded well into the role and Kirke deserves congratulations on her performance. She was a truly exceptional actor.
As expected with theatre productions, accidents do happen which can throw the actors off guard. But not this talented group of actors. During the performance, a vital and important part of the set was knocked over which allowed to cast to ad lib.
As the show was a comedy it worked really well and added more to the comedic elements of the show and the audience loved it. The ability to continue performing to a high standard without being thrown off guard was a brilliant piece of theatre.
The theatre production certainly appeals to an audience of all ages, but could this play be adapted into a modern day context? Probably not. But it didn’t stop hoards of people entering the theatre each night to see the production.
The show is touring and will continue its run at Hull Truck Theatre. Take a look at the trailer below:
