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Rough Crossing

Rough Crossing

Tom Stoppard's rousing play docks into Pitlochery.

For acclaimed playwrights Sandor Turai and Alex Gal, their transatlantic journey from Cherbourg to New York should be plain sailing. Their new musical comedy is all but finished - there`s just the trivial matter of the ending to sort out - and their protégé, the brilliant young composer Adam Adam, is rapturously in love with their exotic leading lady, Natasha Navratilova. Four days` sailing, a Broadway première, another smash hit: what could possibly go wrong? Read more …

Well, they and Adam could decide to surprise Natasha by serenading her with their latest song from the show. And unexpectedly overhear her and fading matinée idol Ivor Fish whispering sweet nothings - and more - in the cabin next door. And Adam`s priceless score could end up in the Atlantic. With him threatening to follow suit...

As both ship and show hit heavy weather, the line between reality and musical comedy becomes increasing blurred. Can Turai pull off a masterstroke and reunite Adam and Natasha? Will Gal ever stop eating long enough to help? Why does the ship`s crew seem to consist exclusively of would-be playwrights? And who, exactly, is Reggie Robinsod? Enter Dvornichek, an extraordinary cabin steward with an iron constitution. He may just be the only person who can sort it all out...

Stoppard`s deliriously funny play is an affectionate tribute to the Golden Age of sophisticated comedy. With jokes that would have delighted Coward and songs that Irving Berlin might have penned, Rough Crossing is a feast of verbal wit, physical comedy and sheer theatrical virtuosity.


The critical consensus

This unusually light-hearted fare from Mr Stoppard at least gives some scope for the designer and Adrian Rees has not been found wanting.

Peter Cargill, The Stage

You could write it off as a dull night out, if the play didn't seem so smugly enamoured of its own emptiness.

*(*)(*)(*)(*)Mark Fisher, The Guardian

Lightness, brilliance and wit are all in short supply.

**(*)(*)(*)Robert Dawson Scott, The Times

George Rae turns in a nicely pitched performance...but everything else is instantly forgettable.

**(*)(*)(*)Joyce McMillan, The Scotsman

Good to look at but there is not much to get one's teeth into in the way of entertainment.

Joy Watters, The Courier

Where and when?

Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Pitlochry from Thursday May 27, 2010, until Wednesday October 13, 2010. Playing in repertoire. Check with the theatre for dates and times.. More info: www.pitlochry.org.uk

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