REVIEW: The Ladykillers, Frinton Summer Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Frinton Summer Theatre

1 August 2023

4 Stars Frinton Summer Theatre Website

As an iconic diva once sang, "Forget You're Troubles C'mon Get Happy", and that's certainly what you'll do in the company of Graham Lineham's hilarious adaptation of the classic Ealing Comedy.

Into Mrs. Wilberforce's crumbling Kings Cross home comes Professor Marcus and his band of musicians. Except they are planning a robbery and as Mrs Wilberforce uncovers the truth, comedy piles up as they try to get rid of her and be the last man standing with the money. The ingenuity of the set, which Stewart J. Charles gives us two layers in one level and a superb use of a staircase, which gives the actors chances for physical comedy, and a consummate cast makes this a very enjoyable evening.

It's a hard-working ensemble, energetic throughout, with some of the comedy and pace a little off timing on the first night. Angela Miller is a perfect Mrs Wilberforce, hitting some superb one-liners, but at times a little unsure if lines and her volume dropped. This will run in though. Ricky Oakley is outstanding as Professor Marcus, vocally and physically strong, despair building as his genius plan falls apart. He is aided by an excellent gang, David Ajoa a pill popping cleaning obsessed Harry, Sam Denia an edgy knife welding Louis and John D Collins as dress loving Major Courtney, all a joy. But it is Rohan Jenkin, in his professional debut, who steals the show as thick but adorable One Round, a gift to comedy. James Gulliford is a strong Constable Macdonald, and the swarm of old ladies is represented by just two, but Joan Gibbs and Jennifer Kersey almost corpse the cast with their eccentric visitors!

The direction by Bryan Hodgeson is inspired, and there were whoops of joy from the audience as the exquisite plotting paid off. The run has sold out, but do try and get returns.

I'm off to Edinburgh for the Fringe so will miss next week's production of Bette and Joan, but that is likely to be divine so book now!