No Sex Please,
We're British
Mar. 2 – Apr. 7
Fri/Sat 7:30pm
Sun 2:00pm
303.433.4343

No Sex Please,
We're British
Review by David Marlowe, Out Front Colorado

If you want a thoroughly entertaining evening of theatre you can't go wrong checking out The New Denver Victorian Theatre's production of "No Sex Please! We're British."

Arthur Goodman's direction is superbly dizzying. He really knows how to put a spin on a cast who are out to daze us with a farce. The scenic design by Sarah Roshan presents the viewer with a universe of space one had no idea was present on the Vic's stage. Part of that is due to her magician's eye. Her ability to create this illusion also facilitates the many exits and entrances required through seven doors (and staircase entries.) This British flat is so wide open and clutterless that one might describe it as a miracle of feng shui. However, it is not long until an unsolicited carton of pornographic post cards starts the energies whirling and the audience howling. The joke centers upon two newlyweds who are trying to keep this arrival from an interloping mother-in-law, the young man's employers and the police.

Director Goodman has cast the play with some very fine actors, most of whom were new to this reviewer.

Leading the cast as newly married Peter Hunter is Jono Waldman. Mr. Waldman has a powerful stage presence, matinee idol good looks and an enormous range of facial expressions. Waldman also has a marvelous facility with reading English comedy with correct accent and with real humor. (Perhaps there is hope that "Beyond The Fringe" could be attempted in Denver.) Following Mr. Waldman in a whirlwind of sweat and manic desperation, is Seth Maisel. Mr. Runnicles, the character he plays becomes the foil for every ploy and the butt of every joke - well, nearly. Mr. Maisel's performance will leave you breathless. Patricia Goodman is brilliant as the mother-in-law from Hell. Her ingratiating smiles and candy coated politeness make one wish to puke. I say this with the most complimentary of intentions. Ms. Goodman has that British matron matrix down pat. Ariana Griffith is engaging and pretty as the young wife, and unfortunately the playwright did not bless her with much in the way of the jocular. Among the supporting cast you may find good performances by: Dell Domnik (Mr. Bromhead), John Greene (Paul) and Brian Brooks (a Delivery Man.)

Amanda Van Nostrand (Susan) and Catherine Accardi (Barbara) quite literally "flesh out" the proceedings as two whip and garter-snapping ladies of the evening out on an errand of mercy. Perhaps not everyone adores British farce as much as this reviewer. Even if this is not your, uh cup of Lapsang Souchang generally, please be aware that this show is a panic. Any viewers who may be on oxygen would be well advised to bring a second tank. Not to be missed.

March 5, 2007

Back to No Sex Please, We're British reviews