Theatre Royal Bath Ustinov – until 26th Jan
Reviewed by Nicky Wyatt
5*****
My first time at the Ustinov , what a lovely theatre space and also my first New Old Friends production. Absolutely brilliant! Crimes on the Nile is a superb comedy theatre with the story of Agatha Christie Death on the Nile rescripted to a cleverly written laugh out loud comedy.
With just 4 actors playing 12 roles it is a fast quick humoured show with some very clever word play. I can only imagine the fun these 4 have off stage rehearsing it.
The infamous lady detective Artemis Ariane (Kirsty Cox) having to use her grey matter to unravel the crimes. She is a cross between Miss Marple and Poirot she even has a Belgium accent. Although on holiday and despite her refusals to get involved she is soon at work trying to solve the mystery.
The quick and clever accent changes are reminiscent of the much loved Allo Allo style comedy complete with innuendo and many double entendres. Along with the amazing use of stage space including clever props, I mean you would never expect to see a Crocodile and a Camel race on stage!
These actors and their quick changes of voice and clothes are hilarious.
Heather Westwell was my favourite with her Mimi, Aurora, Luna and Temperance so very clever. I particularly loved the room scene she must have been shattered. Temperance with her novels and writings had me in stitches especially when her son Feargus Woods Dunlop as Colossus was in the room , such an embarrassing mum!
Feargus so good as the Dr a bit odd and gawky very funny but as Simpkins he was brilliant the mans that sees all and no one notices.
Fergus Leatham the loveable rogue of ships captain , Kirk and Marty was so funny throughout, from hiding his drinking to wooing Temperance.
In Bath for another week or so I urge you to go and laugh the January Blues away – James Farrell director just brilliant!