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Don't Dress For Dinner
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8 February 2014
Written by the author of the recently revived Broadway and West End smash hit Boeing Boeing, this is a truly classic farce that explodes into chaos and misunderstandings within seconds.
A husband's plans for an intimate supper with his mistress spin gloriously out of control when everyone who shouldn't be there turns up. With bluffing and counter bluffing, a manic pace, characters trying to squirm their way out of impossible lies, an inventive set, and breathless performances you'll leave the theatre as exhausted as the frustrated lovers.
This promises to be an exhilarating evening.
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CAST
Sale & Altrincham Messenger's Review by Rick Bowen A feast of a comedy at the Garrick STYLISH, sophisticated and sexy, 'Don?t Dress For Dinner' will come as something of a revelation to those who think they know all there is to know about farces. All the familiar devices are in place, but it's the sheer quality of the writing, rather than the sight of grown ups being caught in a state of undress that gets the laughs. Performing a piece like this would stretch a professional theatre company because the dialogue is mercilessly complicated at times, with more twists and turns than Spaghetti Junction. Yet under the astute direction of Barry Purves the actors of Altrincham Garrick skip through this linguistic minefield with consumate ease. While the dialogue may be a feast for the ears, Purves's set is a feast for the eyes and earned a richly deserved round of applause on Monday night. Pieces as involved as this demand a strong and confident cast and the director has both. Janet Slade is really good value as the mercenary cook Suzette, a character who makes the most of the tangled web of deceit that traps those on stage. David Beddy (Bernard) and Mike Shaw (Robert) are both naturally funny men and have so much fun with their roles it's an absolute pleasure watching them. You do have to concentrate to keep up with what's going on but this theatrical experience, which the audience undertakes at breakneck speed, is a truly exhilarating one. Do not miss. Star Rating ★★★★
- David Beddy as Bernard
- Ros Greenwood as Jaqueline, his wife
- Mike Shaw as Robert, his friend
- Bev Stuart-Cole as Suzanne, the cook
- Janet Slade as Suzette, the cook
- Graham Simmonds as George, her husband
Sale & Altrincham Messenger's Review by Rick Bowen A feast of a comedy at the Garrick STYLISH, sophisticated and sexy, 'Don?t Dress For Dinner' will come as something of a revelation to those who think they know all there is to know about farces. All the familiar devices are in place, but it's the sheer quality of the writing, rather than the sight of grown ups being caught in a state of undress that gets the laughs. Performing a piece like this would stretch a professional theatre company because the dialogue is mercilessly complicated at times, with more twists and turns than Spaghetti Junction. Yet under the astute direction of Barry Purves the actors of Altrincham Garrick skip through this linguistic minefield with consumate ease. While the dialogue may be a feast for the ears, Purves's set is a feast for the eyes and earned a richly deserved round of applause on Monday night. Pieces as involved as this demand a strong and confident cast and the director has both. Janet Slade is really good value as the mercenary cook Suzette, a character who makes the most of the tangled web of deceit that traps those on stage. David Beddy (Bernard) and Mike Shaw (Robert) are both naturally funny men and have so much fun with their roles it's an absolute pleasure watching them. You do have to concentrate to keep up with what's going on but this theatrical experience, which the audience undertakes at breakneck speed, is a truly exhilarating one. Do not miss. Star Rating ★★★★
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