Vaudevilles

Sale & Altrincham Messenger's Review

An evening of fun with Chekhov at the Lauriston Studio

By Julia Taylor

*****

I've just spent an enjoyable evening at the Garrick's Lauriston Studio with Chekhov's Vaudevilles, one act plays, translated by Michael Frayn, and written for the Russian Music Hall. They contain raunchy, low-brow humour and a farcical observation of human nature.

Take The Evils of Tobacco. With perfect pace and intonation, Nick Johnson gives a brilliant performance as a henpecked husband, persuaded by his nagging wife to give a lecture about the title subject, unaware that he smokes. Instead, he gives vent to his feelings about her and his daughters.

The Bear is completely different. Paula Keen plays a widow who clashes with an irate creditor (Jon White). I like Paula's violent yet positive reaction when he challenges her character to a duel. Their mutual chemistry shows when he demonstrates how to hold the pistol.

My favourite, The Proposal, comes after the interval. A comical hypochondriac intends to propose to Natalya. No sooner does he appear than they argue. Then her father joins in. Thanks to Ian Fensome, Sarah Roberts and Graham Simmonds, this is the funniest three hander I've seen for ages, especially when the would-be groom flakes out, only to wake up to a champagne engagement celebration and more bickering!

Swansong features a drunken, once successful actor who recites Shakespeare. Though only 68, young by today's standards, he rants about old age and death. It gives Richard Sails a chance to display his well-established Thespian skills.

I promise, Vaudevilles, directed well by Angela Wetherill, will make you laugh.