Review: THE PLAY WHAT I WROTE, The Rep Birmingham

Photo credit: Geraint Lewis

Now Besties, it is with a heavy heart I leave this review but I want to make it clear this star rating is in no relation to the quality or the excitement of the play. Those around me seemed to be having an incredible time, the difference between me and them - at least 20 years. However, there is a genius twist which, if tonight alone is anything to go by, will bring younger audiences in by their droves.

Who is it aimed at? Lovers and/or appreciators of Morecambe and Wise and those who consider farce the pinnacle of comedy. If you fall into either of these categories, you will have an excellent time. As neither are true to me personally, the entire thing went straight over my head and I don't mind admitting it.

The premise: Thom Tuck has decided he no longer wants to be in a comedy double act with Dennis Herdman. Thom wants to be a serious writer and has written numerous plays. His most recent The Scarlet Pimple will be a sure fire hit, if only he could get a celebrity involved. Dennis, however, wants to continue treading the boards with his partner in crime, Thom’s confidence with comedy needs to be restored. With the help of Mitesh Soni, they try to persuade Thom to participate in a tribute act to Morecambe and Wise but they soon realise, unless they can get a celebrity to play the title role of the Scarlet Pimple, all attempts at restoring the duo will be in vain.

The writing by Hamish Mccoll, Sean Foley and Eddie Braben is incredibly fast paced and full of innuendos that would never have made it past the BBC executives. Choreography by Ian West is slick, adding slapstick to the already accomplished comedy style line up of farce, word play and sight gags. Foley’s direction is tinglingly relentless as each gag falls directly after the other.

Tuck, Herdman and Soni undertake a marathon at the pace of a 100-metre sprint and must be commended for their stamina. They quickly ensure the fourth wall is removed and continually remind the audience that audible laughter is the key to the play's success. It is the heart of the piece and they will fight til the final bow to ensure you are having a good time.

Finally, the Scarlet Pimple. This is the genius twist mentioned earlier. A guaranteed way to bring the comedy stylings of Morecambe and Wise to a younger audience. A variety of famous faces will fill this role across the run. In fact, another celeb donned in a baseball cap could be spotted by the keenest eye in the auditorium. Tonight's Pimple was Loki himself, Tom Hiddleston. The marketing team are to be commended as the hushed discussion of his potential arrival rippled through the interval discussions. Hiddleston is a delight to watch, throwing himself into the comedy stylings with enthusiasm and charm. A real highlight to the evening's events.

Overall a fine evening, just not my cup of tea and that is fine. Not every show can tick every box for every person.

Expertly delivered nonsense.

*** Three stars

Reviewed by: Alanna Boden

The Play What I Wrote runs at the Birmingham Rep until New Years Day, with tickets available here.