York Theatre Royal – until 18th July 2026
Reviewed by Gretel Price
5*****
A Brief Case of Crazy at York Theatre Royal was an absolute delight from start to finish, delivering a fast-paced, slapstick comedy packed with energy, charm and laugh-out-loud moments. Produced by Mitch Donaldson and written, directed and choreographed by Rowan Armitt-Brewster (who also stars as the wonderfully chaotic Thomas) the production embraces classic physical comedy while adding its own fresh, inventive style. Every scene was able to radiate joy, infecting the audience with humour.
The performances from the three-strong cast were outstanding. Rowan Armitt-Brewster’s portrayal of Thomas was a masterclass in physical comedy, with wonderfully exaggerated facial expressions and flawless comedic timing that brought every joke vividly to life. Lennie Longworth was equally engaging as Daisy, bringing warmth, wit and excellent chemistry to the stage, while Sam Cunningham’s Simon provided the perfect counterpart as the antagonist, purposefully tormenting the bubbling protagonist, Thomas. Together, the trio demonstrated remarkable comic synergy, their finely tuned interplay creating an engaging stage presence that captivated the audience from start to finish. The movements on stage were completely synchronised; each cast member was able to replicate the jolts of a train ride or the circular motions of a fly as the characters watched it invisibly in the air.
One of the production’s most memorable features was the incredible use of the puppet, which represented Thomas, dressed in the same clothing, with the same hairstyle and glasses. The puppet was flawlessly integrated into the action, allowing the slow-motion movements to contrast with the upbeat dance moves of the cast. As the performance was completely non-verbal, the cast did a phenomenal job at ensuring the character’s actions, thoughts and intentions were fully understandable and received by the audience. This was successfully achieved by the sound effects, lighting changes and facial expressions which carried the narrative through till the end, courtesy of lighting designer Beth Scott and of course the marvellous cast.
The technical elements were just as impressive as the performances. The briefcase was of course a highlight and main feature of the show, moving in harmony with the sound effects and lighting to build anticipation before punctuating each moment with perfectly timed comic effects. These creative choices amplified the excitement and theatrical magic, enhancing the show’s playful atmosphere.
A Brief Case of Crazy was overall a wonderfully imaginative production that combines outstanding performances, inventive staging and nonstop laughter into a hugely entertaining theatrical experience suitable for all ages.