THEATRE: Wife After Death
DEATH has always been a bit of a Taboo subject, but award-winning writer Eric Chappell, author of Rising Damp, has used this as the theme of his sparkling new comedy.
Wife After Death had its World Premiere at the Theatre Royal in Brighton on Wednesday March 17th and the play centres around the death of a hugely successful television comedian Dave Thursby.
The first act is the day of his funeral and his elaborate coffin takes pride of place on stage. Act Two is the gathering to scatter his ashes which are in a huge gold cup on a pillar.
The play has a brilliant cast headed by Tom Conti who was recently voted the most popular actor in London's West End for the last 25 years.
Conti plays Harvey Barrett, Thursby's writer and best friend and his wit is sparkling. He also directs the play with Tom Kinninmont. Playing opposite him as his wife is film and stage actress Diane Fletcher who is the perfect foil for his continuous quips.
Royce Mills is perfectly cast as his long-suffering agent whilst the women in Thursby's life are well chosen as Diane Marchment, Elizabeth Payne and Nina Young are all excellent.
Norman Coates has designed a beautiful set complete with a large glass chandelier.
This is one of the funniest plays I have seen for a long time. It is not farce, it is sheer wit and Tom Conti's performance combined with Eric Chappell's great script makes it a magical night in the theatre.
Catch it if you can as it is only in Brighton until Saturday night.
Amanda Wilkins
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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