Richmond Theatre – until 10th March. Reviewed by Jessica Brady
5*****
The 70’s classic Sit-com Some Mothers Do ‘Ave’ Em gave us some wonderful years of slapstick comedy with heart behind it and notable catch phrases have stood the test of time. So, it seems like a perfect opportunity to relive this classic in a wonderfully written stage version filled to the brim with hilarious and unfortunate mishaps!
The script is sculpted around Raymond Allen’s original series, re-written and directed perfectly by Guy Unsworth, who has stayed true to the original innuendos and stunt like comedy and taken several storylines from the TV episodes to make a full and coherent play which can be enjoyed by all ages!
Taking on the title role of Frank Spencer is ‘Im a Celebrity’ King of the Jungle Joe Pasquale and what a set of shoes to fill! Michael Crawford made the original Frank Iconic, with his clumsy ways and ‘OOH Betty’ but that is not an obstacle for Pasquale who take the role and makes it his own and manages effortlessly to make the audience laugh with his interpretation. A real tour de force performance and makes you fall in love with ‘Some Mothers’ all over again.
Betty Spencer, Franks long suffering but incredibly understanding wife is played by Sarah Earnshaw who again doesn’t try to replicate the performance of Michele Dotrice, but instead brings her own warm and patience to Betty which creates a lovely chemistry between Frank and Betty.
Susie Blake is well known for her comedy prowess and playing Betty’s mother, Barbara is no obstacle and proves to be equally hilarious character as Frank. Blake even does arguably one of the best stunts in the show and nothing phases her!
The rest of the cast are fantastic and support the show with the gusto it needs! Father O’Hara (played by David Shaw Parker), Terry Luscombe (played by Moray Treadwell) and the Constable (Played by Chris Kiely) all work their magic to control the chaos that unravels.
This is a wonderful example of fantastic family fun comedy, there really is something for everyone and I often had tears in my eyes from laughing so much! If you’re a fan of the original sitcom this is something you simply can not miss out on seeing whilst its on its UK tour! A fun filled evening that will leave your belly aching from laughter!