Run for your Wife

Phoenix Theatre Company

As cabbie John Smith comes a cropper and ends up in hospital with a head injury, little does he know that his wife (or should that be wives), are frantically ringing the police to locate his whereabouts. As the scene progresses it is clear that up until now John has enjoyed the best of both worlds, but with the police involved, an unsuspecting neighbour, a flash happy reporter and a camp dressmaker, you have a recipe for disaster.

Paul Costello as bigamist John begins with a nonchalant approach to his situation as he ably convinces both of his wives with his take on an incident that has left him with a bandaged head. As the sorry tales unravels his manner turns almost manic resulting in some farcical comedic situations. Costello gave his all throughout resulting in an energetic performance. His wives, Mary (Suchita Kotecha) and Barbara (Charlotte Ashworth) are soon weaved into his web of deceit, both not realising what he has been up `to. Kotecha portrays a patient approach to his goings on, (that is until she is administered unwanted medication) whilst Ashworth sustains her character as slightly less patient with a forthright demeanour.

Innocent neighbour Stanley soon gets embroiled in John’s tangled web and this is where the real comedy begins. Joe Cunliffe as Stanley offers a brilliant understated performance that got funnier as it went on. Great one –liner delivery and facial expressions to match, it was very funny. He proved to be a suitable sidekick for Costello, both in character and performance.

The arrival of Detective Sgt Porterhouse, played with style by am dram veteran Ian Duckworth really confuses things as he very soon mucks in to cause even more confusion. Add in a camp neighbour (finely created by Mike Thomas) and you have the perfect ingredients for a perfect farce.

David Hankinson is suitably cast as the no nonsense, straight laced and officious Detective Sergeant Thoughton. Stephen Whitehead’s cameo as the newspaper reported didn’t go unnoticed.

Director Peter Haslam sets a cracking pace with Ray Cooney’s 1983 farce and the company did both author and director proud.

Paul Cohen

BATS