Terry Wills watches a musical adaptation of a smash cinema hit.
First, an admission. Not having seen the 1988 film starring Steve Martin and Michael Caine, I knew nothing of the storyline that concentrates on two scheming con men.
Lawrence Jameson (Michael Praed) and Freddy Benson (Noel Sullivan) meet in then swish French Riveria resort of Beamont-sur-Mer. They both believe that their individual expertise, relieving cash from suitable victims, is by far the superior. Together they devise a plan to prove that they must be right by striking a bet as to who can be first to fleece a rich American heiress, Christine Colgate (Carley Stenson), the winner to take all – and thereby hangs a tale with a surprise ending.
Mark Benton, a familiar face from numerous theatre and television appearances, most recently Strictly Come Dancing, plays Andre Thiabault and his budding relationship with Muriel Eubanks (Geraldine Fitzgerald) raised numerous laughs.
As a self-confessed addict of both film and theatre musicals l admit that I was intrigued as to how this story could be transformed into a hit West End show. It has certainly received critical acclaim, and based on its success has subsequently undertaken a UK theatre tour, making its debut at Birmingham’s New Alexandra Theatre.
This production succeeds as after making a slow start with no particular memorable song, it burst into life via a whooping, dancing number. The dancers demonstrate their versatility dressed in a variety of costumes ranging from buckskins to shimmering swirly expensive dresses. The smoothly revolving interchanging set gives ample space to demonstrate their talents to a variety of numbers, as acknowledged by the large and appreciative audience.
All the principals play their roles to perfection. Michael Praad is a suitable charmer, Noel Sullivan a brash, cocky character, while Carley Stenson portrays a supposedly rich and easy victim to perfection.
Overall Dirty Rotton Scoundrels has to be considered an audience-pulling musical. I wouldn’t place it alongside my favourites but as it progressed I began to warm to a versatility that at the finale certainly deserved its appreciative applause.
Until 16th May, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham. Tickets www.atgtickets.com/