Laughter on the 23rd Floor

Laughter on the 23rd Flooris excellent quality theatre, beautifully produced and great fun to watch.

First impressions come from Lauren Ross' consciously unconsciously glamorous New York office set - which is simply beautiful, perfectly constructed and establishes a distinct style. The designer's costumes are also wonderful - beautifully selected and an excellent depiction of characters and the era.

Set in the writer's room for a hit TV show in New York's Rockefeller Plaza, Laughter on the 23rd Floor deals with the pressures faced by writers in the era of McCarthyism and other restrictions placed on creatives.

Kate Cherry's well selected cast have a wonderful sense of camaraderie and have the natural comedic delivery that gives credence to their characters' skills as comedy writers. The exception is the beautiful Lara Schwerdt who portrays secretary Helen as the epitome of fifties style and is deliberately, endearingly unfunny.

James Sweeny works well with the audience as observer narrator Lucas Brickman, with top notch performances from all of the writing team, Humphrey Bower highly energetic as flamboyant Milt Fields, an almost unrecognisable Stuart Halusz as casually sophisticated Kenny Franks, Damon Lockwood very funny as hypochondriac Ira Stone, Jo Morris self assured as lone woman Carol Wyman, Ben Mortley believable as chain-smoking Irishman Brian Doyle and Igor Sas dynamic as intense Russian Val Skolsky.

Peter Rowsthorn shines as TV star Max Prince - a perfect vehicle for his clever, energetic comedy. The role also requires an actor with depth and Rowesthorn gives us many layers of this much challenged man, while remaining extremely funny.

Technically the show was very tight with impressive lighting, especially on the skyline, from Trent Suidgeest, unobtrusive sound design from Ben Collins and smooth stage management from Lisa Mccready. Accent coaching from Julia Moody has obviously been well employed with a myriad of accents used - all well maintained and Andy Fraser's skilful fight direction was also evident.

Laughter on the 23rd Floor is first and foremost good entertainment. There are important insights into McCarthyism and other issues faced by writers but most importantly, it is good theatre and a really fun night out.

Kimberley Shaw

Images by Gary Marsh Photography