8.39°C Paul. T Davies reviews Father Brown and the Curse of the Christmas Fairy, presented by Common Ground Theatre Company at The Headgate, Colchester and on tour.
“Two hours of inspired silliness”
Kicking off the theatrical year with an absolute treat, the latest work from Common Ground encapsulates everything the troupe is famous for. An affectionate spoof of the Father Brown mysteries, we have their trademark multi-rolling and cross-dressing, quick costume changes, hilarious musical numbers, and audience interaction. To my delight, the script is full of Carry On innuendos, so much so that I was reminded of the Kenneth Williams quote, “If I see an innuendo in a script, I whip it out immediately!” No whipping it out here, as the gang relish everything that pops up!
The plot centres around the blackmailing by the mysterious Christmas fairy, with the Suffolk town of Dangleforth hanging by a thread, but the plot is secondary to the characters and the sheer fun of the piece. Matthew Rutherford is excellent as Father Brown and his brother Turnham Brown, a manic energy powering the plot developments. The legendary Julian Harries is his usual hysterical self as Flambeau (criminal turned detective) and an alluring Lady Palfrey. Douglas Clarke Wood relishes his roles, including Crispin Brown (see – wonderful wordplay!), and Joseph Aylward almost steals the show as Knuckles/Stella and Mr. Dido. Director and composer Patricia Whymark keeps the pace tight, and the lyrics are wonderfully inventive.
Add a zoo scene in which the penguins steal the show and reduce the audience to paroxysms of mirth, comedy chases, and wonderful improvisation, and it all adds up to two hours of inspired silliness. The company is so skilled they make comedy like this look easy.
It’s the perfect antidote to post-Christmas blues and continues to tour.
Full details here: Xmas Tour 24-25 | commongroundtc
