Matthew Kelly and Felicity Kendal recently toured together in Noises Off as a couple of ageing actors in the famous farce set in a regional theatre as the cast relationships sour and the show literally falls apart. They must have enjoyed the experience as they set off again now on a short tour in another play in substantial roles that provide an opportunity to more fully flex their acting skills. Theatre Royal Windsor sees the start of Bill Kenwright Ltd’s latest production, Filumena, before touring to Guildford, Cambridge, Bath and Richmond.

In 1977, the brilliant Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall adapted the Eduardo De Filippo 1946 classic Italian comedy, and this revival reminds us of their clever comedy writing, which is best remembered for the play Billy Liar (1960) and in over 250 TV scripts such as Budgie, Worzel Gummidge and Secret Army. It is a very well-constructed plot, although its original three act structure does mean there is an imbalance in the two-act adaptation. Nevertheless, it provides an excellent structure for battle of the sexes between Kelly and Kendal.

Filumena has lived with Domenico for thirty-five years, having met when he was a regular visitor to a brothel where she “treated all men the same”. She has run his life since she moved in, put up with his continuing pursuit of young women and he has refused to marry her. On her death bed, he agrees to marry her and to his surprise, she miraculously recovers and demands that he gives his surname to her three sons who he has been unknowingly funding for years. The battle between them commences from Matthew Kelly’s first entrance as Domenico, steaming with anger at the deceit and they engage in their first marital row. Kelly is magnificent, bristling behind his large white moustache with delightful grimaces and reactions that the watching Sir Ian McKellen might have taught him. It is played with serious intent, never over the top and that makes the comedy all the more enjoyable.

Kendall is the scheming bride with her husky tones every match for his postering presence and for those who remember her from The Good Life or on stage in The Real Thing in the 80s, she still draws and holds your attention even when others are speaking. There is a lovely contrast between her spiteful put downs of his current girlfriend Diana (Jodie Steele), “find someone else to wiggle your arse at”, and her motherly love for her three sons Michele, the sanitary engineer (George Banks), Riccardo, the flamboyant shirtmaker (Fabrizio Santino) and Umberto, the accountant (Gavin Fowler). There is good support too from the rest of the cast of twelve including Julia Legrand as the loyal maid Rosalia.

Director Sean Mathias, a regular now at the Theatre Royal Windsor, creates so many wonderfully funny moments. Kelly is hilarious trying to kneel down before Filumena and his interrogation of the three men is brilliant as he searches for genetic links to each. The moment when Diana discovers Filumena is still alive is very cleverly set up with her hovering in the background as Diana celebrates her death. Sarah Twomey, as the young servant Lucia, also provides a wonderful cameo, especially when flirting with Riccardo. Together, they create the sense of a religious Italian family without resorting to silly cod accents.

The set and costume design by Morgan Large transports us to the faded elegance of a Naples reception room which has real depth with an external corridor and veranda, well used to add to the storytelling. Nick Richings’ lighting conveys the warmth of the Italian sun on the room. The addition of a large painted circular ceiling and good-looking period furniture adds to the setting.

The name ‘Filumena’ derives from Greek meaning: a friend of strength or courageous lover, and this is a story of a loyal, caring woman protective of her three sons and willing to do anything to help them. It is also a tale of acceptance and recognition for herself and her sons by her husband in a world dominated by men. As with Sean Mathias’ revival of Accolade earlier this year, this is a period play that resonates today, is extremely well set and acted, and makes for a very enjoyable and engaging Autumn night out at the theatre.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Nick Wayne

Filumena plays at Theatre Royal Windsor until 19 October before touring, with further info here.