Harold Davidson, rector of Stiffkey, became the last cleric to be dismissed by a church consistory court on the grounds of immorality. Davidson’s rather bizarre history is indeed the stuff of music hall and the Penny Dreadful Company have pounced upon this idea, recreating a saucy, end-of-pier entertainment that goes some way to recounting his career in a playful manner.
Bernadette Russell’s script incorporates traditional music hall comedy while a serious narrative runs parallel throughout, and Mick Barnfather’s lively direction ensures we’re entertained and informed equally.
Music is provided by Matt Devereaux on the piano, who also acts as the MC. Devereaux is a domineering presence on stage and knows how to manipulate his audience, as all good MCs should. Greg Haiste is an absolute delight as Harold, limber as a clown with an almost childlike innocence and yet he still leaves room for ambiguity behind the character.
Marie Lawrence as Barbara seems a natural on the music hall stage, possessing a belting contralto, strong dance technique and a cheeky demeanor reminiscent of Barbara Windsor in panto mode. Mira Dovreni and Sarah Ratheram complete the billing, having great fun playing everybody else from frightening bishops to Soho brasses.
Production information can change over the run of the show.
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