Tristan Bates Theatre 17 January – 11 February. Reviewed by Claire Roderick
Set in a shabby London theatre during the second world war, The Doppel Gang is a charming and atmospheric play. After most of the acts on his bill walk out, theatre manager Lombard struggles on, with double act Doppler and Burke and unconvincing male impersonator Rachel struggling to entertain the dwindling audience. When they happen upon Marx Brothers material, the gang decide to put on a Marx Brothers show, split the money and run.
The set (built by the cast!) is almost another character, with a moveable proscenium arch, doorway and assorted props being wheeled around the creaky wooden floor to shift the audience’s perspective from backstage to auditorium, and the sympathetic lighting creating a sepia toned atmosphere. The set changes could have become tedious, but the jaunty music and movement of the cast as they reposition objects fits right in with the tone of the play. My only gripe is that some of Cyril’s lines get lost when he is performing and we are watching from “backstage”, but that might be my old ears not coping with such speedy delivery.
The first act feels a little like Dad’s Army meets The Producers, with Spivvy Lombard struggling with debts, repairs and having to compere the show – brilliantly inept lines that make you cringe. There’s a taste of the dreadful music hall acts as we get to know snippets about the conscription-dodging and debt-ridden men. The sense of transition, in theatre and world events, is explored with bittersweet whimsy. Director Terence Mann keeps the pace leisurely, trusting writer Dominic Hedges’ fine script and the fantastic cast to draw the audience into this world. The contrast with the second act – mostly taken up by the performance of their Marx Brothers act – works effortlessly, with madcap energy taking over the stage as the cast revel in rapid fire lines and slapstick comedy, interspersed with quieter backstage moments developing the personal stories of the characters.
Jordan Moore is amazing as Cyril/Groucho – capturing the rhythms and presence of Groucho without going over the top. Peter Stone’s Harpo is adorable, Rachel Hartley is wonderful as the strong but loving Rachel, keeping the character sympathetic when it could have got a bit shrew-like. Jake Urry is hysterical as Lombard, and a revelation as Chico. This is truly an ensemble piece, and the cast bounce off each other with an infectious energy and feel for the period.
The Doppel Gang is a wonderful play, unashamedly nostalgic and very, very funny. Well worth a look.