Originally a 1955 Ealing Comedy, adapted for the stage in 2011 by Graham Linehan, best-known for his television work including The Fast Show, Father Ted, The IT Crowd and currently, Count Arthur Strong, he obviously has a way with words and the interaction between the gang of criminals taking refuge in an old woman’s house is the main thrust of the story.
Gang-leader Professor Marcus (director John-Paul McCrohon), Major Courtney (Peter Colley), Harold Robinson (Shaun Ridley), One-Round (Tony Dart) and Louis Harvey (Danny Rose) are diverse characters and well cast in their respective roles.
The opening and closing scenes involved house-holder Mrs Louisa Wilberforce (Sheila Birt) and Constable Macdonald (Peter McCrohon), but what occurred in between was the age-old story of what happens when thieves fall out.
A terrific set, impressive sound and lighting effects all contributed, but much of the humour was lost across the footlights, with the audience’s response being chuckles rather than belly-laughs.
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