Yvonne Arnaud – until 2nd July 2022
Reviewed by Heather Chalkley
5*****
Director Michael Cabot and the Designer Bek Palmer have captured the era in this delicious farce perfectly, delivering a much acclaimed play that has had success all over the world since it was written in 1962. This is not just a funny show it also poses a question – is it possible for a man to dupe three strong, independent women before things fall apart and can he be forgiven?
An apartment in 1960’s Paris with chic style and architecture draws the audience in straight away, the many doors giving you a clue to how this is going to play out. Bernard (John Dorney) begins as a strong, confident man, pleased with the way he perfectly timetables his 3 air hostess fiancés, coming and going from their journeys around the world. He ends up an exhausted quivering heap, not knowing who is going to come through the door next. His physical performance his hilarious, often standing in tortured poses that are meant to look relaxed. His old school friend Robert (Paul Sandys) is an innocent from the provinces, what we would call a country bumpkin. His emotional journey takes him from doubt and incredulity, through the need to protect his old friend, to considering this life for himself. Sandys comic timing and facial expression is faultless. Every farce needs an orchestrator to oil the cogs. In this case it is the maid, Bertha (Jo Castleton). Her acerbic humour and disdain keep you laughing throughout.
The three air hostesses are fantastic caricatures, portraying the stereotypical passion associated with their different countries. Although duped at the beginning, it becomes apparent they are no fools, commanding attention and tying Bernard, Robert and Bertha in knots in just a few words. Gabriella (Nathalie Barclay), Gloria (Isabel Della-Porta), Gretchen (Jessica Dennis), are a great trio making grand entrances and exits, with a laugh out loud reaction from the audience. The whole cast make the comedic timing look easy with a slick performance by all.
The question posed has an answer in the end with everyone miraculously getting what they want! A great jaunt well worth the watch.