YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD – UNTIL 26 OCTOBER 2024
REVIEWED BY REBECCA SCOTT
4****
It’s time to head to the Neapolitan Riviera in post war Italy, which starts at the climax of a ferocious argument between Italian couple Filumena (Felicity Kendal) and her partner Domenico Soriano (Matthew Kelly). From the moment Domenico steps onto the stage, you are invited to witness their web of deceit, lies and scheming ways.
The play is based on a 1946 play, originally written by Eduardo De Filippo and cleverly adapted by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall.
Act 1 focusses on Domenico being duped into marriage by Filumena, who he met in a brothel 35 years previous. Dominico’s pride has been wounded, and his plans to marry the young and vivacious Diana (Jodie Steele) are thwarted. Kendal exuded radiance in this role, and it soon became apparent that Filumena’s reasons for marrying Domenico are not due to vengeance, but of maternal loyalty to the three sons she gave birth to during her life as a prostitute. Now Filumena wants to marry Domenico to legitimise them and ensure their financial security. But there’s also a catch! One of the boys (all now in their twenties) is the son of Domenico – but which one?
Act 2 was much shorter than I expected and had more added humour with Domenico trying to work out which of the 3 sons is his. But Filumena remains defiant, because all children ‘are created equal’ and therefore her children will be treated fairly. This infuriates Domenico as he tries to play detective and detect genetic similarities in the young men – so do they finally get legally wed? Do we find out who is Domenico’s actual son? You’ll have to go watch and see!
The entire play is set in Domenico’s house, which is resplendent of the Italian era. However, as a viewer the setting became a little lacklustre as the scene remained unchanged throughout. The two main protagonists have a lot of dialogue, which at times is very lengthy, but also jaw dropping as to how they remember so many words and deliver them in the Italian flair! Kendal and Kelly have strong chemistry and you can tell this from the moment they both enter the stage.
The supporting cast are excellent and add much needed humour at times. Umberto (Gavin Fowler), Ricardo (Fabrizio Santino) and Micele (George Banks) each have a chance to have their moment on stage and you enjoy watching their sibling relationships develop. I also applaud the maid Lucia (Sarah Twomey) who appeared to light up the stage with her flirtatious behaviour.
This play is only visiting a few cities, so get your tickets now!