Charley’s Aunt

Brandon Thomas’ 1892 farce Charley’s Aunt has been performed countless times and is still charming and delightful. It makes for a fun night at the theatre and is one of the best shows I have seen by Tea Tree Players.

Barry Hill, the director, has assembled an excellent cast, tutored well in physical farce and sharp line delivery. The pace of this show is perfect and the laughter throughout from the audience demonstrated its timeless appeal.

The story is set around three Oxford pals - Jack, Charley and Lord Fancourt Babberley who get themselves in a complete pickle whilst trying to woo some lovely ladies. Society of the time deemed that permission must be sought from family or guardians to be able to marry. Jack wants to marry Kitty and Charley wants to marry Amy, and they create a plan to propose to the girls whilst their Uncle/ Guardian Mr. Spettigue is away. Charley’s aunt, Donna Lucia d’Alvadorez from Brazil (where the nuts come from - an ongoing gag) is coming to visit, thus the boys feel this will be appropriate chaperoning. They pull their friend Babberley (Babbs) into the plot as a planned distraction for the aunt, thus allowing them to ‘do the deed’.

All is well until a telegram arrives saying the aunt cannot come. The ensuing panic from the two would-be suitors is hilarious and they hatch a plan to have Babbs ‘play’ the aunt. Perfect timing- as is always the case in a farce- as he happens to have an ‘old lady costume’ for his upcoming Oxford review.

Mayhem erupts from this point as the girls arrive and Charleys ‘aunt’ finds himself (herself?) the focus of eager pursuit by Jack's father and Mr. Spettigue, both intent on winning her hand. The ensuing running around, sitting down, standing up, doors opening and chases at speed looks easy but, in a space, this small, must have taken many hours of rehearsal and was extremely well choreographed. The real climax of the show is the unexpected arrival of the real Donna Lucia d’Alvadorez and you can imagine how this throws a huge spanner into the works!

As the ringleader of the pals, Jack, Kyle McArthy is excellent. He has the exact amount of pratty foppishness required, as well as the clarity of accent and deviousness needed for the role.

Callum Logan, as Charley, is innocent and intentionally awkward throughout the play. His performance is very reminiscent of Michael Crawford in Hello Dolly. He is a real talent.

Justin Stone as Brassett, the House man is suitably disaffected and manages his multiple entrances and exits with ease.

Kieran Drost as Lord Fancourt Babberley/ the aunt delivers a standout performance. He has just the right physicality and voice for the part and absolutely shines on stage in this role. Hilarious.

The two young women - Kitty and Amy, played respectively by Natasha Woods and Veronica Wlodarczyk are excellent. Their accents are impeccable and both sparkle with beauty and innocence. Their interactions with each other are extremely believable.

As Jack’s love-struck father, Sir Francis Chesney, Tom Moore nails his performance in every aspect - a classic English gentleman of the late 1800’s and Neil Feakin’s Mr Spettigue, whilst at times a little overly dramatic, was extremely funny.

Kate Reardon’s role as the real Donna is brief but as they say ‘there are no small parts’ and she brings gravitas, poise and humour to the latter part of Act 2. Her niece Ela (who turns out to be Babb’s love interest), played by Georgia Gustard is likewise, delightful.

The set, designed by Barry Hill and Samuel Creighton and constructed and painted by Damon Hill, is beautiful and changes between Acts 1 and 2. Dressing is immaculate, as is attention to detail of the period- fountain pens, blotting pads, cricket jackets on display- very well done by Beth Venning and Janet Lowe. The costumes of this show are also period perfect- Barry Hill, The Monday Club and Jo Allenby have assembled a gorgeous assortment of outfits- the detail of which does not go unnoticed- even down to cufflinks, cravats and matching reticules, fans and umbrellas. The costume worn by Babbs as the aunt is suitably hideous and hilariously still shows his trousers underneath!

Sound design by Zack Brittain and Barry Hill in this show is also very clever with ticking clocks in awkward moments, and melodic romantic music interjecting in scenes to add humour.

This is a very sweet show - predictable as most farces are – but a comfortable, fun night at the theatre. The cast, crew and director should all be proud of what they have created. Charley’s Aunt is an absolute delight.

Shelley Hampton