Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, brought to life by Walmsley Church AODS, is a treat for musical theatre fans. Directed by Nora Howcroft, this clever, comedy-packed production captures the high-stakes antics of two con artists on the French Riviera with style and just the right amount of cheek. The premise is that the two men initially decide to form a double act, but their egos soon clash, and the French coast isn't big enough for the two of them. Hilarity and confusion ensue as the two men pull out all the stops to prove they are the best con man in town.

Leading the cast, Steve Benson as the suave Lawrence Jameson exudes charm and poise, embodying his character’s smooth sophistication with finesse. Benson’s chemistry with Joshua Clayton-Heal, who plays the exuberant and rough-around-the-edges Freddy Benson, is dynamic and electric, providing endless laughs and a wonderfully contrasting partnership. Clayton-Heal’s comic timing is a true highlight, bringing an infectious energy that lifts every scene he’s in.

Olivia O’Connell as Christine Colgate is a standout, delivering a charismatic performance with just enough mystery to keep the audience guessing. Her vocal performance is especially captivating, offering a mix of vulnerability and cunning that adds layers to her character. Alan Moss as André Thibault provides excellent support with a charismatic and understated performance that complements the other  leads in all their scenes. Adrienne Wormald brings warmth and wit as Muriel Eubanks, endearing herself to the audience with her comedic timing and sincerity, while Lauren Carroll as Jolene Oakes adds a touch of hilarity, nailing her scenes with a vibrant energy. 

The choreography by Lara Sydall is tightly executed, with each dance number enhancing the story’s humour and flair. The ensemble brings both precision and passion to the stage, adding depth and atmosphere to every scene, with everyone fully engaged in each twist of the con. Under the skilled musical direction of Cath Hilton, the vocals provide a lively backdrop, capturing the swing and sophistication of the French Riviera.

Nora Howcroft’s direction balances the comedy, romance, and tension, allowing the humour to shine without. The pacing is crisp, ensuring each act leaves the audience wanting more. Overall, this Dirty Rotten Scoundrels production is delightful and laugh-out-loud funny, bringing a touch of Riviera glamour to the local stage. Walmsley Church AODS has crafted a night of theatre that charms and entertains from start to finish.

Runs until Saturday

Jason Crompton

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, a remake of the 1964 film Bedtime Story, has been remade a few times and then made into a musical with a host of A-listers up for the two male leads. The West End musical in 2014 starred Robert Lindsay and Rufus Hound. Book by Jeffrey Lane. Music and Lyrics by David Yazbek also known for The Full Monty and Tootsie. This comedy/farce is a vehicle for two strong male leads - one the sophisticated, affluent con’ artist the other an unsophisticated American hustler - what could possibly go wrong?!

The composite set hosted three tiers towards the back of the stage with marble effect and gold stairs. Setting - The Grand Hotel Beaumont-Sur-Mer in the Riviera, reception area and bar was tucked under the stairs. Stage Left is a marbled unit that acts as the casino table and was moveable. Four large palm trees also moveable and were used throughout. This was framed by burgundy flats. Various other props were then brought on for the scenes like a pink French two-seater, a bed and very large crescent moon. There was a gobo projection on the back wall entitling each scene, allowing the audience to suspend disbelief. Stage Director - John West and Crew: Anne Cocking, Nora Howcroft, Dave McGreavy, Gill Pollitt, Linda West, Janet and Zoe Pollitt.

Sound was unobtrusive as should be by Lea Royse and Elodie Perrier. Lighting was by Nathan Emmison and whilst good, I did feel the actors had to freeze for a long time before they changed or came on.

Costumes all looked great and in keeping, especially Muriel Eubanks’ outfits. Loved the silver glitter ties at the end too. Hair and make up all finishing the look. Wardrobe by Lara Syddall and Molly Hadfield.

Choreography was by Lara Syddall who gets to bring out the humour in some of the numbers. Lara understands and accommodates her dancers and it’s a rare thing being able to do this. So, what you get is well-balanced numbers that play to each cast member’s strength and looks good on stage giving it polish.

Musical Director is Cath Hilton and with a show where not everyone is familiar with the music, pulls out the stops to deliver.

Nora Howcroft directs and whilst the two leads have to be strong the supporting cast cannot be forgotten. This was the first time seeing this show as a musical and I love the shocks and reactions it elicits, “Did he just say that”? “Did he just do that”? Even down to the bare bottom (Don’t ask!). The show was a pure farce in every sense without the many doors that are usually used and throw in a bit of love and seductive confidence tricks. And great that other cast members got their moments too.

The Ensemble worked well doubling up as other characters and loved the ‘Coldplay’ moment when they came on with candles. I’ve no idea who played the accordion, but he was hilarious. Train Conductor played by Jo Whitaker and Croupier played by Sue Cliffe both had great energy. Catherine Hall playing Lenore and Renee was also good. Matthew Shallicker played various including Waiter and Bellboy and was significant in the scenes.

Lauren Carroll playing Jolene Oakes burst on stage with energy and gave a good performance of the character. Loved Oklahoma and hilarious how it rhymed.

Alan Moss played Andre Thibault and was Lawerence’s side-kick and an amoral police officer. He came into his own with a dalliance with Muriel Eubanks played by Adrienne Wormald who is not happy with having herself made into a statue - she wants to be a stamp. Like Zis, Like Zat was a great number and their on-off affair worked well even down to the running across the stage in dressing gown and hand cuffs (make of that, what you will!)

Steve Benson takes on the role of Lawerence Jameson the sophisticated con’ man with r.p. accent and some others thrown in too. The character is spot on and while conning the ladies is still a loveable rogue. His double act with Joshua Clayton-Heal works well and Joshua takes on the loutish role and boy does he look to relish the role together with his authentic American accent. I am sure he has a few bruises too with the physical performance of throwing himself around the stage. Whilst frenemies, Steve and Joshua work well together and drive the pace. Loved Ruffhousin’ with Shuffhausen. Good work.

Last but not least is Christine Colgate played by Olivia O’Connell, Olivia bursts onto the scene with great energy and intriguing character - she gets the last laugh on the men, which is a great twist to the ending - I’m all for girl power. Lovely performance.

Thank you for the invite and hospitality from my guest Dawn and I. Walmsley Church ADOS must be delighted with this show - tres bien!

Liz Hume-Dawson