Funny Money

Bolton Little Theatre

Until Saturday

What would you do if £735,000 suddenly appeared in your briefcase?

That’s the question asked by the master of farce, Ray Cooney, and answered in hilarious fashion by Bolton Little Theatre on the opening night of “Funny Money”

Director Dave Smart has expertly crafted a very slick and polished production which kept the capacity audience in stitches.

As Henry Perkins, the happy discoverer of the money on his way home from work, Peter Scofield is a joy — a vigorous central performance which set the high octane pace and sustained it throughout.

Alison Whittaker, as his put upon wife Jean, is superb — reacting beautifully to the circumstances she finds herself in and then giving a masterclass in physical comedy in Act Two.

They are ably supported by Jason Dunk and Lindsay Taylor as friends, Vic and Betty, whose well-meaning efforts to help only add to the chaos.

Throw in an acerbic taxi driver, Ian Taylor, who shows real skill in delivering several classic one liners; and two police officers – Sgt Davenport nicely underplayed by Chris Hill, and the excellent Robin Thompson as Sgt Slater — who cleverly builds up his frustration and adds much to the comedy in doing so, and you have all the ingredients for a very entertaining evening.

Special mention must go to Phil Lunt, Peter and Jess Haslam for an outstanding set and to Nigel Miller and the props and technical crew both for the special effects props and the set dressing which added so much to production.

If you want an evening of escapist, well-staged fun you should book now for this pacey, laugh out loud comedy which runs all week – you won’t be disappointed.

Tickets are available from www.boltonlittletheatre.co.uk and the play runs until this Saturday 23rd June 2018.

Natalie Crompton - BATS