Three plays in one day, in the round, at the Old Vic.
Ok I’m intrigued.
Cast: Amelia Bullmore, Jessica Hynes, Stephen Mangan, Ben Miles, Paul Ritter, Amanda Root.
Can’t fault that.
Author: Alan Ayckbourn.
Ok where do I sign up.
Brilliant observations and meditation on the comic hypocrisy and manners of Middle England. Your sympathies veer from one to another throughout the play(s) but you never really hate any of the imperfect characters, it’s far too gentle.
They irritate you and confound you but their traits and mannerisms are always hilarious and recognisable. Each scene and exchange of background information are preparation for the next revelation, twist, pratfall or gag. Sometimes bittersweet, sometimes a sharp social barb wrapped in absurdity, sometimes laugh out loud ridiculous, it never disapoints and you are (despite your numb rear) left wanting more.
The novelty of the ‘in the round’ format works in the Old Vic. And it’s heartening to see something revived in London garnering plaudits on Broadway too.