A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum

Funny Thing is one of my favourite comic musicals, a delightful romp, so the prospect of a performance by University students was mouth-watering. It did not disappoint.

Apart from the energy of the performers, there were different twists I had not encountered before. After Pseudolus’s initial introduction the stage opened on a scene from the film of Les Miserables with galley slaves being whipped, before he repeated “Tragedy Tomorrow!” and the curtains closed again.

Chris Anderson was an engaging Pseudolus, a high energy, cheeky slave. He also sang well, though some of the music sat a bit low for his voice. Jeremy Russo was a frenetic Hysterium.

Andrew White and Danielle Carey were a delightful pair of young lovers and Tristan Lawrence a suitably lecherous father.

As his wife, Domina, Elle Richards was appropriately over the top, though the role requires a stronger singing voice. The same can be said of Lachlan Grey as Miles Gloriosus, though his characterisation was strong. 

CJ Johnson, Benjamin Metha and Harry Tibballs were the high energy Proteans, playing multiple roles, and the Courtesans danced up a storm.

The sound was very good and no words were missed, but the band was a bit random at the start of the overture. The set worked well and the lighting was effective.

This season deserves to be sold out.

Graham Ford

Photographer: Ben Fon