Funny Money
Until November 5
The Mill at Sonning
0118 969 8000
Millatsonning.com
A Ray Cooney farce is always a popular item on the programme of The Mill and this is arguably one of his best.
Featuring some familiar faces and others making their Mill debut, the cast work together with incredible energy.
The play starts with Harry Perkins (Steven Pinder) arriving home in a state of great excitement.
After picking up the wrong briefcase on the tube he discovers he is now the owner of £1.5 million in cash and tries to persuade his wife, Jean, (Natasha Gray) that they should fly away and start a new life before the owner of the cash catches up with them.
A simple plan, no?
No.
Despite his best efforts he is thwarted at every turn, firstly by the arrival of a policeman (Eric Carte) who may or may not have come about the briefcase.
Then a very patient taxi driver (Charlie Parker-Swift) who may or may not eventually make the journey to the airport.
Then throw into the mix the couple’s friends, Vic and Betty, (Harry Gostelow and Elizabeth Elvin) who have simply come for dinner but who end up assuming any number of different identities to help Harry execute his plan.
Finally add a detective (Stuart Neal) who brings disturbing news and you have the recipe for a brilliant farce.
Misunderstandings and mistaken identities abound and tensions run high as Harry struggles to remain in control.
Think Basil Fawlty mixed in with Rene Artois and just a little of Compo.
Verbal and visual gags abound as these larger-than-life characters get carried away by the absurdity of the situation.
Will Harry and Jean ever make it to Barcelona? Will the taxi driver ever get his fare?
You’ll just have to come and find out.
JUDITH CREIGHTON
