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A Funny thing happened at the Arts Centre last night – it was called a Funny Thing Happened On The Way to the Forum. I had not seen this show live before last night so I am indebted to director Anthea Robertson and the Attic Theatre Company for adding another page to my musical theatre education. And for a hilarious evening of riotous entertainment.
Basically, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum is a sort of musical version of Up Pompei but funnier, even without Frankie (Don’t titter madam) Howerd. Set around 200BC in a street in Rome, the show is a bawdy romp from beginning to end and features almost the entire Attic Theatre all-stars, a superb set, excellent costumes and a groovy orchestra directed by Kevin Haggart.
I would have travelled a long way on public transport to see Frank Campbell in a Roman slave outfit and, as it turned out, I would not have been disappointed. Frank imbues every role he plays with a professionalism that would put some professionals to shame. In this show, every move he makes is a hoot. Leading the raucous proceedings is another great Attic talent, Brian Staines whose brilliantly sustained comedy performance as Pseudolus was the blazing focus of the entire show.
One of the great pleasures of the show is the sheer volume of perfectly drawn characters, each one cleverly cast. The show teems with joyous performances like Debbie Boyd and Tearlach Duncanson as the young lovers, David Fearns as the lewd brothel-keeper, Stuart Mearns’ scary captain, Jill Hay and Clif Stroud’s battling Roman couple and Graeme Wilson in marvellous form as the befuddled old twit.
This is the ideal comedy summer show served up with relish and a generous helping of sauce.
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