When: Wednesday 6th November
Where: Wyndhams Theatre
Why:
Hancock and Hawes
You haven’t lived until
you’ve seen Sheila Hancock dressed in a shiny tracksuit screaming “Cunt!” at
the top of her voice in an Essex accent. You simply haven’t lived.
This was not a good
play, but it was a good cast. Hancock was disreputable and clearly relishing
the role; Lee Evans was in his element as a sweating half-wit (not a fan of him
in general, but this role was made for him); and it was hilarious to see the
excellent Keeley Hawes playing something other than a beautiful period-drama
classy bird. The play wasn’t hugely innovative or insightful, but they aren’t
all, you know. God knows I’m not a theatre snob, and it’s just as well.
Sometimes things are as straightforward as laughing at Keeley Hawes with a
terrible spray tan, or Sheila Hancock raucously persuading an elderly hitman to take out
an innocent stranger in her kitchen. Also, anything with excessive swearing –
I’m in, no questions asked. This was a faux-dark, ridiculous gangster farce, and
if you just went with it then it was pretty enjoyable. I also spent a joyful half hour
reading audience reviews – the level of outrage at the language was hilarious.
I’m not sure how people were so enraged – it was pretty damn clear what you were going to get.
Not ground-breaking, but
Hawes and Hancock retain their places in my heart as shiny, shiny stars.
Brixpig
x
No comments:
Post a Comment