The Ladykillers Auckland Theatre Company Review
A quiet stage bathed in ambient blue sits deserted as the audience shuffles eagerly to their seats for Auckland Theatre Company’s The Ladykillers directed Cameron Rhodes. Noticeably, the crowd is slightly older than normal, brimming with anticipation to see the latest take on an old classic – one which was brought to life by the legendary Tom Hanks in the 2004 Coen Bros. film of the same name.
A special mention must immediately go to the set designers who have aptly created a nostalgic fusion of old English cobble and the Pink Panther. The creaking wooden doors and fine china help throw us into the lounge of a Cluedo-cum-Coronation mash up which only propels the leads further into what they do best. Act.
The troupe of faux musical talents are stereo-typed down to a tee which isn’t necessarily a bad thing when you’re watching from ten metres away. However, while each finds niggly, annoying charm within their mismatched personas, it’s the group’s ability to interact and spar with one another that proves this play’s true strong point.
Whether it’s plotting mischievously in the rented hide-out or craftily keeping the crabby Mrs Wilberforce at bay with her incessant questions and constant cups of tea, the conglomerate, led by the eccentric Professor Marcus, bumble their way through the ensuing robbery with enough charm and charisma to sink a battle ship. While the ‘starved baby in a wet sock’ adds slapstick, it’s Mrs Wilberforce’, played by Annie Whittle, love-to-hate-to-love Grandma who keeps the men on tenterhooks as they cast their efforts toward the most basic lust of all. Cold, hard cash.
The only drawback to this comedic caper is the intermission which halts the flow of laughter and makes the evening a stretch in the, at times, stuffy Maidment theatre.
Yet, much like Professor Marcus’ plot hatching, The Ladykillers is a performance that is worth every minute. Winning five Olivier Awards including Best Play, Graham Linehan’s razor-sharp adaptation of the classic 1955 Ealing film is a great addition to Auckland Theatre Company’s repertoire.
Making the most of the space, and with a small, performance-nailing support cast, the scarf wearing, pill popping, violin playing ensemble capture viewers attention throughout as each fall victim to the greatest killer of all – circumstance.
The Ladykillers is on until 7 March at The Maidment Theatre.
Words by Nic Brookland