Theatre Royal, Windsor – until 22 July 2023
Reviewed by Joanna Huggett
5*****
We had the pleasure of watching ‘Frank and Percy’, written by Ben Weatherill, at the
Theatre Royal Windsor, a comedy about friendships, relationships, reflection,
confrontation, and everywhere in between.
Whilst out walking their dogs, Frank, played by Roger Allam, a widower and straight
Yorkshire man, dry and passive, chances upon Percy, played by Ian McKellen, proudly gay,
very much provocative and full of conflict. Frank’s dog Toffee, a Spaniel, and Percy’s dog
Bruno, a Labrador (previously known as David), feature in the dialogue and support the
comedy seamlessly.
The play rotates wonderfully between the park, a restaurant, Percy’s flat, and a GP
surgery – and back again – using the same stage and a mixture of backdrops and lighting
changes.
Throughout their many dog-walking meets, we learn that Frank is not as straight as we
originally thought, and Percy is not as confrontational as he tries to behave, while the two
reflect on the past and deal with the present, a romance begins to develop.
McKellen provides the comedy and extravagant LBGTQ representation while Allam is dry
and deadpan. A couple portraying such a wide contrast of opinions, backgrounds and
perspectives, you could not imagine any common ground between them, but they are so
much more alike than we could ever imagine.
A superb duo, exemplary acting, and an altogether enjoyable evening out in Windsor, go
see it you will love it, but leave Fido at home.