York Theatre Royal – until 11 November 2023
Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
4****
New Old Friends Theatre Company’s latest production, Crimes on Centre Court, is playing it’s last three show at York Theatre Royal. A whodunit, with a small cast of only four actors playing numerous roles. Kirsty Cox, Ben Thornton, Katriona Brown and Emile Clark work tirelessly to put on a fantastic show.
Whombledun Tennis Club is hosting its annual tennis tournament, when suddenly Lord Knows drops down dead, whilst eating strawberries and cream. It appears to be a natural death, but his son Hugh isn’t convinced and enlists the help of private detectives Perry and Penny Pink, not related, just partners. With Perry going undercover as a tennis player and Penny getting cosy with Hugh, more and more untimely deaths occur, leading to the question, whodunit and can the sleuth duo solve the mystery?
What first impressed me on entering the theatre was the scene set out on the stage, looked just what you would imagine a tennis club to look like. The set was used to brilliant effect, moving hedges, I’ll talk more about them later, three curtains that were in constant use, old-fashioned locker-room benches, that were wheeled in and out, and a scoreboard.
When we first meet the super talented cast, they are hedges, singing hedges at that. Dressed head to foot in their finest greenery they burst into song, very barbershop quartet. They are constantly flipping characters with speedy costume changes, as well as moving the set around seamlessly to change scenes. Each actor is given a chance to shine. Clark has a very animated face and delivers his posh Sir Hugh voice with aplomb. Special mention must also go to his curly wig, which grew and grew as the show went on. Brown’s expressions, especially as a hedge, were vibrant to match her glorious red hair. Cox delivered fabulous characterisation with all her roles, from the overlooked volunteer, to ace tennis player. Last, but certainly not least, is Thornton, I truly loved his physical comedy. His going downstairs, via stairs, escalator and finally lift was so funny and brilliant to watch. Not only did he act and sing, but he also threw a bit of rap in there too.
The standout scenes for me were the actual tennis, especially when in slow-mo. How they achieved these spectacles is so very imaginative and such a joy to watch. The alliterate wordplay used is truly mindboggling and stunning to listen to, I’m in awe.
This show is a fabulous whodunit comedy that is full of slapstick and laughter. I’m glad I got to see this show before it closes this weekend. I really enjoy this type of theatre and I will certainly keep a look out for New Old Friends in the future. More balls please!