Review: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Savoy Theatre

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels 
Savoy Theatre

Reviewed on Tuesday 18th November 2014

★★★★

It just keeps getting better and better! I loved Dirty Rotten Scoundrels when it first opened, but eight months later it is slicker and funnier than ever. Set in the French Riviera, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels follows two conmen as they go head to head to pull off their biggest con, whilst fighting for the affections of millionaire soap heiress Christine Colgate.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels has such wide appeal - it is harmless, classic good old fun. Jerry Mitchell's production is injected with passion and gleams with charm. The American musical has significant British appeal; it makes the perfect date night, family outing or office Christmas party. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is tremendous fun and has something for everyone.

Katherine Kingsley is sensational as Christine Colgate - her first number 'Here I Am' is the highlight of the show. Kingsley's comic timing is spot on throughout and her vocals are always on point. It's wonderful to finally see Kingsley's name up in lights on the Strand as she truly is the star of the show. 

Robert Lindsay is in his element as Lawrence Jameson. It is such a joy to watch Lindsay onstage; he knows exactly how to pace himself and has the audience on side from beginning to end. Lindsay is having even more fun with the role; he knows exactly how to give an audience what they want. Lizzy Connolly provides another of the evening's stand out performances as Jolene Oakes, bringing the house down with her rendition of 'Oklahoma'. 

The one and only Bonnie Langford recently took over as Muriel Eubanks and I love that she has made the part her own. Langford has the power to brighten up any stage, every musical should have a role for her - she is an absolute dream.

Gary Wilmot, who also recently joined the cast, makes the perfect Andre Thibault. Together Wilmot and Langford appear to have the time of their lives - they make so much more of their scenes together, bringing out extra comedy.

Completing the cast is Alex Gaumond who has taken over from Rufus Hound as Freddy Benson. Despite only joining the show last week, Gaumond already appears to be settled into the role.

He is fast proving himself to be the most versatile actor working in musical theatre. Regardless of whether Gaumond is falling in love with Sheridan Smith in Legally Blonde, belting out rock songs in We Will Rock You, terrifying children in Matilda or licking Robert Lindsay's face in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, his performance is always impossible to fault. 

Last night the ensemble were on fire! It's a shame there aren't more dance numbers as they shine throughout. Peter McKintosh's design is brilliant, adding to the show's elegance. David Yazbek's score is instantly catchy and has some very strong moments.

With Christmas fast approaching, a lot of people are asking me which shows they should be booking tickets to and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is firmly at the top of my recommendation list. It is first class entertainment. With the show set to dazzle audiences around the UK next year, make sure you catch Dirty Rotten Scoundrels in the West End before it's too late!

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is currently booking at the Savoy Theatre until Saturday 7th March 2015.
Please visit www.scoundrelswestend.com for info and tickets.

Read our interviews with Robert Lindsay, Katherine Kingsley & Jerry Mitchell and Lizzy Connolly

Photo Credit: Johan Persson

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