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Jerone Marsh Reid as Stan Laurel, Danielle Bird as Charlie Chaplin, Reggie as Scraps and Nick Haverson as Fred Karno. Picture: Matt Crockett Charlie & Stan Malvern Theatres ***** Don’t miss this opportunity to see a
brilliant and witty production that takes one back to a bygone era of
silent movies, innocent and child-like farce and knockabout comedy.
Charlie Chaplin was of course the king of the comic movies of his era.
Before he became a household name he took a ferry
across the Atlantic with Stan Laurel, half of the future Laurel and
Hardy, and Paul Hunter has created this fictional production which
imagines some of their time together on this journey in the style of the
silent movies. All the key elements are there: the lively
honky-tonk piano and the significant melodies to match the action, the
slapstick humour, the period costumes and props, the written notice
boards to explain context . . . Because the action relies on visual and physical
humour, mime, exaggerated walks and actions, the audience are drawn into
the action to decipher the significance of those actions and
relationships. Mime calls for added concentration by the audience, but
can be enjoyed at very different levels. Danielle Bird stars as the incomparable Charlie
Chaplin. Her small stature, typical bow-legged gait and waddle, her
curly black hair and bowler hat make her an admirable casting for the
role. The staccato movements and gestures, the sudden and unexpected
movements requiring great physical agility are all brilliant. She is ably supported by the rest of the cast.
Jerone Marsh-Reid as Stan, the versatile Nick Haverson who plays a
variety of roles with great flair (his Hardy playing golf and his
drumming were outstanding), and Sara Alexander who, along with acting as
Charlie’s mother, plays the piano with real feeling, sensitivity and
skill, all provide excellent colour and characterisations. The production team have done an excellent job here: Ioana Curelea’s set is innovative and brilliant, establishing the sense of the ferry boat with funnel, life-ring, gangplank and bunks in the interior , the port side quay, the sea etc. Zoe Rahman’s music establishes the atmosphere and
mood of the various scenes along with great sound effects - having live
musicians on the piano and drums is highly effective - Jos Houben’s
physical comedy and Aideen Malone’s lighting all contribute to realising
the Paul Hunter vision. This is a brilliant piece of entertainment for any who remember the comedians of that era. It runs at the Festival Theatre in Malvern till Saturday 21, August. A richly enjoyable family show and evening out! Tim Crow 17-08-21 |
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