Dirty Rotten Scoundrels The Musical, book by Jeffery Lane and composed by David Yazbek, is an all singing, all dancing, all joking extravaganza featuring a stellar cast of television and West-end favourites.
Based on the 1988 film of the same name, the musical adaptation stays fairly true to the original plot, with a bit of artistic license – added romance, the musical numbers and a more in-depth look at the nature of con-artists being the major tweaks, however the changes feel apt for the stage and the heart of the piece isn’t compromised.
The musical follows the story of two men, Lawrence Jameson (Robert Lindsay) and Freddy Benson (Rufus Hound) as they compete against each other, attempting to con wealthy newcomer Christine Colgate (Katherine Kingsley) out of $50,000. The winning conman earning the right to stay in town.
Inevitably, all doesn’t go to plan, and soon love and romance is added to the mix. Lindsay and Hound worked wonderfully as a double act, both complementing one another’s style without stealing the limelight. Lindsay’s smooth, suave and sophisticated charm was effortless and juxtaposed beautifully with Hound’s rough around the edges, diamond geezer-eqsue portrayal of Benson. Kingsley’s acting was also top-notch, particularly in “Here I Am”. In fact, the entire ensemble do a fantastic job of incorporating the humour, and slapstick comedy of the piece, into the well choreographed dance routines.
Generally, the piece is very funny. Although the style of comedy can sometimes feel dated, it’s still classic, and many times during the show the audience were laughing very loudly. The first twenty minutes of the show seemed, to me, a little muddled and confusing but gradually everything began to drop into place, like a fine wine, it got better with time, and that’s where the humour really came through.
I think it’s a show that will appeal to all ages. The nature of the jokes allows everyone to enjoy them and the musical numbers have just the right amount of hook, silliness and meaning in them for them remain fun and enjoyable whilst they still convey their messages. The set also draws the more visual person straight into the world of the French Rivera and the stunning costumes are constantly backing up the notion of the glitz and glamour.
For an enjoyable, laugh-out-loud, fun night at the theatre I would thoroughly recommend Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, it’s not going to change the world, or your life, but it’ll certainly put a smile on your face! Currently taking bookings at the Savoy Theatre until 2015.