Old-fashioned Farce Promised in Tom, Dick and Harry at Limelight

Tom, Dick and Harry promises good old-fashioned farce at Limelight Theatre (WA) in October 2014.

Written by veteran playwright Ray Cooney and his son Michael, Tom, Dick and Harry is the story of Tom Kerwood and his wife trying to adopt a baby – but their attempts to impress a busybody social worker are jeopardised by Tom’s useless brothers Dick and Harry.

Their antics involve illegal immigrants, the Russian mafia and local police, as well as a dead body they plan on selling to a medical school.

“Throw a few Croatian stowaways into the mix and you have the makings of a hilarious evening,” director Bob Mainwaring says.

“It’s a bit of change to have a farce which is not a ‘trouser-dropping comedy’, so to speak.

“I was attracted to the integrity of the writers and their commitment to giving a balanced mix of visual and verbal humour in everyday situations.”

Involved in professional and community theatre for 65 years, Mainwaring has directed and performed in a veritable plethora of productions across a range of styles.

Over the past 18 years, he has scored three award hat-tricks at Limelight Theatre, picking up best actor in a major role, best director and best set (design and construction) three times each.

With Tom, Dick and Harry – which has appeared in London’s West End – Mainwaring believes his main challenge is the timing.

“The key is orchestrating it effectively during fast-moving action, matched with the smooth use of special effects and a fairly large cast on stage at any one time,” he said.

“Farce is a challenge in many ways because pace and timing are vital to carry the plot before the audience catches on to just how daft it may be.

“Luckily, we have a very experienced cast with a couple of newcomers to the theatre.”

Tom, Dick and Harryplays at 8pm October 2 -18, 2014. Tickets are $21, $18 concession and $16 children – book on 9571 8591 between 9am and midday, Monday to Friday, or at www.limelighttheatre.com.

Limelight Theatre is located on Civic Drive, Wanneroo.

Images: Andrew Govey, Gordon Park and Chris Juckes play the title characters in the farce Tom, Dick and Harry; Linda (Susannah Bell) and Tom (Gordon Park), seated, aren’t impressed by the “helpful” antics of Harry (Andrew Govey) and Dick (Chris Juckes) & Eastern European businessman Boris (Justin Vallow, left) cops a blow from Harry (Andrew Govey).

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