Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Stereotypical British humour and a terrific satire of the English nightclub scene were the ingredients of a theatrical frolic pulled off with great imagination and charm by the Manama Theatre Club.
Performed by just four actors who played more than 20 characters between them, this performance of John Godber’s Bouncers had the audience in alternating fits of stitches and rapturous applause.
The foursome – brothers Falstaff and Eden Dowling-Mitchell, Lee Cudmore and Tom Hanratty – seamlessly swapped between giggly girls, ‘lads on the town’, a whole bunch of other social miscreants, and, of course, our eponymous night-club guardians with considerable skill and all four looked completely at ease on the stage.
The subject matter often ran close to the knuckle on political-correctness, which was not only hugely entertaining but refreshing in the current climate, and one particular saucy scene was so well performed with excellent timing that it was almost worth going again the next evening.
The backstage crew also deserve a mention, particularly Ronald Saw’s sound engineering, which brought scenes to life with vibrant disco classics that carried a wave of nostalgia to this ageing reviewer.
A thoroughly enjoyable evening, punctuated with clever humour and outstanding performances. Anticipation is already building for the next production.
– Kristian Harrison
