The Ladykillers
Vaudeville Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 10th July 2013
Back in the West End due to popular demand, The Ladykillers is a black comedy which tells the story of a sweet innocent old lady who lives alone and finds herself pitted against a gang of criminal misfits who will stop at nothing to get away with the robbery they plan to commit.
Although most people are familiar with the famous story (from the 1955 film), I did not have a clue what to expect. It took me a while to get into the show as the first half is very silly and at times stupid. Each character is so stereotyped that they are completely unrelatable which detracts from the comedy. Eventually I got used to the silliness of the piece and began to enjoy the show more.
The cast are extrememly strong and full of outstanding comedy character actors. Angela Thorne pulled at my heartstrings as poor old Louisa Wilberforce. I fell in love with the character and genuinely felt so sorry for her. John Gordon Sinclair plays the part of Professor Marcus, the leader of the criminals, well while Chris McCalphy had me in hysterics many times as One-Round, whose stupidness is unbelievable.
The first half of the show is fairly innocent. It is not until the second act that The Ladykillers becomes a black comedy. Without giving too much away, let's just say some of the characters make spectacular exits! The Ladykillers is so ridiculous that it provides fantastic escapism and a fun-filled evening at the theatre.
The Ladykillers (and indeed all black comedies) is not for everyone. Some will find the silliness irritating while others with adore it. I grew to love The Ladykillers, the show is nothing but harmless fun... or is it?
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
The Ladykillers runs at the Vaudeville Theatre until 25th October 2013.
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