Vaudeville Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday 28th November 2013
In 2009, when the expenses scandal was on the front of all the newspapers there were times when I switched on the news and felt as if I was watching some sort of ridiculous farce. I was clearly not alone as playwrights Dan Patterson and Colin Swash have written a new outrageously funny comedy about the expenses scandal which has travelled to the West End following a short UK Tour.
The Duck House is one of the funniest plays I have ever seen. The topic could not be any more relevant or any more apt, I don't know why somebody hasn't brought something similar to the West End sooner. The Duck House has been branded a political comedy, but it's more of a comedy about politics. We do not laugh with the politicians - we laugh at them.
Set in May 2009 when the Government was in severe meltdown, The Duck House centres around Labour backbencher Robert Houston (played by the incredible Ben Miller). His house is bursting with receipts and pointless items, all of which have been paid for by the taxpayer. The thought of Robert's wife/'secretary' Felicity (Nancy Carroll) actually having to buy something and not claiming for it almost gives her a heart attack. But as an important visit looms Robert will do anything to save his seat. He must impress Tory Sir Norman Cavendish (Simon Shepherd) meaning he has to knock his wife, maid, son and son's girlfriend into shape. Cue one-liners, misunderstandings and acts of desperation.
The Duck House is a perfect comedy as it contains a good mix of verbal and physical comedy. There are people desperately running in and out of, and hiding behind, doors as well as many witty comments and clever political references. It is refreshing to watch something with so much relevance and so much truth.
Terry Johnson's production features one of the strongest casts I have ever seen on a West End stage. Ben Miller is a revelation! The Duck House is Miller's show and he simply 'gets it' which allows him to drive the piece forward. At times his rather frantic portrayal of Robert Houston reminded me of John Cleese at the height of his success playing Basil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers. He belongs on the stage!
Nancy Carroll and Debbie Chazen also give outstanding performances opposite Miller as his wife and outspoken Russian housekeeper Ludmilla - who has some rather interesting political ideas. James Musgrave plays Robert's son Seb opposite former X Factor finalist Diana Vickers as Seb's girlfriend Holly who doesn't come into the play until the second act.
The entire audience were in hysterics from beginning to end. Personally I preferred the first act which seemed tame after watching the outrageous second half, but I overheard other audience members who said they preferred the second act. I didn't always know what was going to happen and where the piece was headed, but when I did it only added more anticipation. There were moments when tears were rolling down my cheeks and I literally howled with laughter. My only complaint is that the run should be longer than four months!
The Duck House is the funniest show in the West End and also makes a very valid political point. Parliament should close for a day so that every single politician can be made to see Dan Patterson and Colin Swash's masterpiece. An absolute must see.
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
The Duck House runs at the Vaudeville Theatre until 29th March 2014.
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Click here to book tickets.
Cannot disagree more. This was painful, painful theatre. Most surprisingly for a political comedy it lacked wit. A thin joke stretched beyond bursting point at 2hrs 20mins.
ReplyDeleteAgree with David Parker. Stinks of the old 5 star trick.
DeleteYes indeed. Someone needs to take his tongue out of the producer's crack if he wants any credibility as a critic.
DeleteAt last a good New British comedy. Great performances all round.
ReplyDelete