Norbury Theatre, Droitwich – 7th June 2025
Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau
5*****
Despite being a massive fan of Rik Mayall, I had never been to the Comedy Festival named in his honour. I also wasn’t aware that there was a musical comedy (largely) from the pen of John Otway! So it was with huge anticipation that I headed off to the Norbury Theatre in Droitwich to catch this highly acclaimed but oft forgotten gem.
The story (written by Otway and Paul Bradley in 1984) concerns a lovable under-achiever, Gordon, who starts his new year with two resolutions – to start a diary and to go out with one of his new flatmates (it being the day that he also moves into his new flat). Many a misadventure ensues as he attempts to impress all in his house plus his rather worrying boss…
Tom Johnson played our lead character, Gordon, giving us a lovable loser – just the kind of down on their luck nice guy that we English love. I saw echoes of Rik himself (from his Young Ones and Bottom characters), John Otway’s self depreciation and this nuanced performance was all the better for it. Not only that, but he also played guitar too, accompanying himself and his fellow actors from the stage. Impressive!
This seems like a great moment to mention the live band on stage: Scatty Lee (guitar), Charlie Skelton (violin) and Hannah Whitbourn (cello), who produced a surprisingly varied palette of colours given their meagre resources. They sounded remarkably orchestral and certainly wrought every last ounce out of emotion from the fabulous score.
Georgie Harriet-King played the object of Gordon’s affections, Cheryl with an ease that was highly endearing. With a charming singing voice and personality to match, she and Tom made a likable, yet highly believable romantic couple.
The cast was rounded out by James Day playing poet/singer Tristram (whose highlight was his gig at the knowingly named (if you know Otway’s catalogue) Bunson Burner pub. A spirited performance. Last but not least was Alex J Carter (playing Phil/Eric – two characters who Gordon is constantly trying to impress and who Carter had a total blast with. A Fabulous performance, threatening at all times to steal the show. What a cast!
This being a smaller production, there wasn’t an over abundance of sets or costumes – but what there was was cunningly deployed to maximum hilarity. I particularly loved the “backing singers” in the red sequin dresses. The set was very cleverly imagined – it being a massive diary, with the pages pulling out to become areas in the story (bedroom, bathroom, pub, office). And with all the best shows, there was some delicious fun onstage with ad-libs regarding the dodgy sets not behaving themselves. Wonderful!
The entire musical has a feel good factor which is highly infectious; with gentle humour (though hilarious) that no-one could take offence to, a heartwarming story and a cast of oddball characters who become instant friends. To cap it all off there’s some wonderful music from Otway and even a couple of songs from the equally fabulous Mr Johnson! Truly, I tell you, I left the theatre wanting more and feeling rather fine. Can there be a more perfect way to enjoy a comedy festival? I think not. Bravo!