No Sex Please, We’re British

Directing a successful farce depends on timing, for without it, punch-lines fall flat and physical comedy bombs. Director of Tea Tree Players’ No Sex Please, We’re British, Damon Hill clearly understands this genre; not relying on the joke-laden script, he manages to illicit more comedy through visual cues and slapstick. He has assembled a fine cast who obviously have done a lot of work on characterisation and deliver gags with confidence.

Set in the apartment of newlyweds Peter and Frances Hunter, above the National United Bank, the plot centres around the wrongful delivery of pornographic packages. In modern times this may not seem so shocking, but the play was written and set in 1971 and possessing material of this nature was illegal. What ensues is two hours of chaos and misunderstanding.

Richard Hobson and Rhi Shapcott play Peter and Frances and do a fine job in controlling the pandemonium. Whilst trying to dispose of the unwanted items, they are met with a flurry of unwanted guests.

Stephen Mulady plays Brian Runnicles, a role first tackled by Michael Crawford when it premiered in the West End. Mulady has clearly channelled the mannerisms of Frank Spencer from the TV Series Some Mothers Do Have Em; his portrayal is nothing short of brilliant.

Stacey Webb breathes life into her role as Peter’s mother, managing to become more annoying with every line. The Bank manager, Leslie Bromhead is played by Barry Hill with the right amount of pomp. Together with Webb, he creates an unlikely romance full of chemistry.

Supporting roles of Superintendent Paul and Arnold Needham are played by Eric Smith and Samuel Creighton respectively. Perfect casting allows for much hilarity. Rounding out the cast are Tia Gordon and Kristyn Barnes; their scantily clad characters offered many laughs.

The set captures the 70s vibe with its garish furnishings and painted walls. This, together with costumes, ensures no doubt about what era this production is set in.

This is one of the best comedy ensembles I have had the pleasure of watching. Just when it seemed impossible for the show to become funnier, it did. This is British comedy at its best!

Kerry Cooper

Note: Barry Hill is a Stage Whispers reviewer.