‘Black Comedy’ and ‘White Liars’ double bill review
‘undoubtedly one of, if not, the funniest, theatrical experiences I’ve encountered in Durham!’
I went into the double bill of two of Peter Shaffer’s plays without any particular expectations, but I ended up laughing for three hours non-stop at the Assembly Rooms. The clever dialogue, skilful slapstick, and farcical elements truly showcased the impressive talent on stage!
The evening opened with a captivating performance of White Liars, directed by Ben Cawood and assisted by Emily Sanderson. The attention to detail in each blocked movement and character portrayal was evident. Jamie Strand's portrayal of Frank was particularly impressive, showcasing his exceptional comedic timing. He paired beautifully with Emilia Lewis, who played Baroness Sophie, delivering a series of witty one-liners and clever dialogue. Through this, however, they were able to skillfully highlight the overarching themes of class consciousness and middle-class arrogance throughout the performance, inviting the audience to laugh while reflecting on its central theme, encapsulating the essence of farcical theatre!
Tom, portrayed by Oreofe Subair, was the perfect addition to create a dynamic trio, providing a perfect counterbalance to Frank and Sophie with his own brand of humour and charm. Subair’s comedic timing and ability to embody the character’s quirks added an additional layer of hilarity, making their interactions feel organic and engaging. At points the voice-over coming from the speakers did not align exactly with the actors' delivery of stage lines, but this did not detract from the hilarity and talent of the actors on stage.
A true standout of both performances was Emilia Lewis, who portrayed Sophie with a remarkable stage presence. Her exceptional comedic delivery, along with her outstanding physicality and expressive facial features, captivated the audience. Additionally, her deeply emotional scenes towards the show's conclusion left many viewers astonished, with some even wiping away tears.
Moving onto the second performance, Black Comedy, directed and assisted by the same duo. Even though this performance was longer than the first, the cast's energy did not stoop once, and the audience did not seem bored for a moment, with most of the biggest laughs of the evening coming from this performance. As the lead, Oli Butler, who played Brindsley, did not falter once. His use of gesture, slapstick comedy and perfect line delivery with exceptional comedic timing meant he was a joy to watch, and all his jokes landed for the audience, allowing for riotous laughing.
Butler commanded the stage once again as Carol, with her delivery of lines and body language, while also creating exceptional chemistry with the other actors on stage. She was a joy to watch once again on the AR stage! Subair, who played Colonel Melkett was once again brilliant too, along with Strand who appeared as the bumbling silly electrician Schuppanzigh, who achieved one of the loudest laughs of the night with his fondling of Brindsley’s sculpture. A personal favourite of mine from this performance was Ella Beresford as Miss Furnival, the secret alcoholic neighbour, who stole the show in some moments with her superb physicality. Joshua Brooks, who played Harold Gorridge, was also brilliant: his over-the-top, camp, diva nature allowed him to shine brightly in his role, adding an extra layer of humour and flamboyance to the chaotic antics unfolding on stage. His interactions with the other characters were filled with a delightful energy that heightened the comedic atmosphere. Another clear standout was Alex Tyler whose seduction and sharp wit made her a compelling presence on stage. Her chemistry with Butler was palpable, adding depth to their comedic exchanges and creating moments that left the audience in stitches.
The show's brilliant incorporation of slapstick comedy, featuring characters falling, crawling, and sprinting across the floor, was spot on - I can only imagine the amount of practice and the bruises they’ve endured to perfect it! Cawood deserves praise for this; it allowed each cast member to showcase their talent and deliver plenty of laughs to the audience individually and as a cohesive ensemble. Production Manager, Luna Oladiji should also be praised: their expert use of lighting throughout the performance added another layer of humour and enhanced the overall atmosphere of the performances, creating a vibrant backdrop that complemented the comedic elements perfectly. The lighting transitions not only highlighted key moments but also accentuated the physicality of the actors, ensuring that every laugh resonated through the theatre. At some points throughout, it was a tad bit difficult to hear the actors performing on the raised platform, acting as Brindsley’s and Carol’s bedroom, but the actor's physicality still allowed the audience to understand and laugh with them.
The set across both plays was fantastic, incorporating many props, chairs, tables and intricate details that enhanced the overall comedic effect. Each scene was thoughtfully designed, allowing the actors to interact with their environment in entertaining ways. From the lavish décor of the Baroness’s living room in "White Liars" to the chaotic mess of Brindsley’s apartment in "Black Comedy," the sets played a crucial role in immersing the audience into the storylines, providing a perfect backdrop for the hilarity that ensues. For that, the stage team should be commended!
Overall, this double bill of Shaffer’s farcical plays was a resounding success and undoubtedly one of, if not, the funniest theatrical experiences I’ve encountered in Durham! It was the ideal kickoff to the new term, offering a much-needed dose of laughter amidst the dreary Durham weather. If you have a chance this week, I wholeheartedly recommend catching this performance; it’s truly not one to miss! The impeccable comedic timing and vibrant performances left the audience in stitches, proving that sometimes the best remedy for a dull day is an evening filled with humour and laughter!
By Jacob Vellucci.