Review: MATES IN CHELSEA, Royal Court Theatre
Photo credit: Manuel Harlan
When going to see a play billed as comedy, there is always a worry that it will not be funny. This is not an issue for Rory Mullarkey’s raucous new offering, Mates in Chelsea, which is currently playing at the Royal Court Theatre.
Mates in Chelsea is a farce which delightfully ridicules the ruling class. We open on a two-storey Chelsea apartment complete with an abstract modern art piece. This is the home of Viscount Theodore Bungay (‘Tug’ to his friends), who include the multi-hyphenated Charlie and his long-suffering fiancé, Finty Crossbell (Natalie Dew). As one may expect, Tug lives a very comfortable life spending excessively and with his housekeeper Mrs Hanratty (Amy Booth-Steel) taking care of his every need. However, when his mother Lady Agrippina (Fenella Woolgar) arrives with news that a Russian Oligarch has plans to buy his beloved Northumberland castle, his life might be about to change forever.
Playwright Mullarkey and director Sam Pritchard treat us to a fast paced ridiculous romp through the first world problems of the upper class. However, Mates in Chelsea is a study of present day British society as a whole. The jokes range from keen political observations to the plain ridiculous and both cause hilarity in equal measure. The characters are all clear caricatures but the talented cast, led by Laurie Kynaston as the childish and charming Theodore, bring depth to the disorganisation. The real standout is George Fouracres who steals every scene as the cultural outrageous Charlton ‘Charlie’ Thrupp. This is not a show for the politically correct but the title of the play is a clear nod to the target audience who certainly give the material the laughs it wants and deserves.
Mates in Chelsea is split into three acts. The first two are filled with clever and comedic five-star chaos. Frustratingly in the final 20 minutes, the play runs out steam. The story has already reached a fitting climax but then the action continues. This is not the kind of play that needs a satisfactory conclusion and our enjoyment would have surely been furthered by considering the fate of these absurd characters after we left the theatre. Instead we are left with ends neatly tied up but a overarching feeling of confusion about what the play is trying to say.
Mates in Chelsea loses its way towards the end and becomes as clumsy as its characters, but ultimately this silly satire is still worth a watch.
*** Three stars
Reviewed by: Sophie Luck
Mates in Chelsea plays at London’s Royal Court until 16 December, with further information here.