Merton-cum-Middlewick, 1942: the inhabitants are braced for an imminent Nazi invasion. But Miss Skillon, the spinsterish village busybody, considers that a far greater danger threatens the Reverend Lionel Toop. Not only is his new young wife Penelope thoroughly ‘modern’ - and worse, an actress - but Miss S. is also convinced she’s . . . having an affair... Read more …
The blameless Penelope, meanwhile, is delighted when an old actor friend drops in. Clive Winton, now in the army, has a day’s leave from guarding German POWs at a nearby camp. Spotting that Private Lives - which holds fond memories for both - is playing at the local theatre, Penelope suggests a night out. But as army regulations prevent Clive from visiting town, Penelope dresses him in one of her husband’s spare clerical suits, so he can visit the production in disguise...
But then a mysterious, unidentified intruder arrives at the vicarage, desperate for a change of identity – and clothes. Closely followed by Clive’s long-suffering Sergeant. And Penelope’s uncle, the Bishop of Lax. And Humphrey, a rotund locum priest...
One vicarage, five vicars - two of whom aren’t. Everything you need for a classic British farce!
First seen at PFT in 1956, See How They Run! is simply one of the greatest farces of all time: brilliantly constructed and achingly funny.
Leave your intellect at home, but don’t forget your sense of humour - this is a perfect antidote to summer blues.
There are moments, though, when Richard Baron’s production seems to try too hard with King’s text, adding distractingly over-the-top pieces of comic business, and adopting a slightly too knowing approach to a sex comedy that thrives on the sheer innocence of most of the characters. With a farce as well-made as this, it’s always best to leave the text to speak for itself; and to let the sheer hilarity of the situation dictate its own physical expression, rather than trying to force the pace.
Subtle it is not. Great fun it most assuredly is.
Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Pitlochry from Wednesday June 1, 2011, until Wednesday October 12, 2011. Check website for specific performance dates and times.. More info: www.pitlochry.org.uk
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