An Italian Straw Hat

Maskers Theatre Company

The Nuffield, Southampton

Farce is a comedy that focuses on the improbable and absurd, with physical comedy and a plot that twists and turns at every juncture. It's a "marmite" experience for many, and this audience seemed divided, but what no one could deny is how committed the cast and directors were to bringing out the requisite traits, with their faultless dialogue and characterisations. This particular production sees the central character, Fadinard (Martin Humphrey), shortly to be wed, In pursuit of a straw hat. Harried, he scampered about the stage, followed by his wife, Helen (Kate Grundy-Garcia) and the wedding party. Leading, said party, his bumpkin father-in law (Eric Petterson) and deaf-as-a-post Uncle (John Souter) provide meritorious physicality, which is delightful to watch. In his search, he is also joined by the ballad-spouting fop, Achille de Rosalba (Phillip de Grouchy), who gives a stellar performance, highlighting the satire of bourgeois values. The static set (John Hamon) pleased in its simplicity and the lighting (David Cowley) provided just the right atmosphere. Love it or hate it, the quality was all there.

Rebecca Case