THEATRE REVIEWS

A Laughing Matter launched into the 18th century Turks Head Club where Oliver Goldsmith enthused the members of the Club with his new play “She Stoops to Conquer”. Led by Dr Johnson, lively and humorous literary discussion ensued, which created a laughing response from the audience, culminating in Oliver Goldsmith visiting David Garrick to persuade him to perform his play during the coming season. The success of this introduction lay with the “larger than life” character of Dr Johnson, played by Ian Redford, whose use of words and exuberance kept the pace fast and provided a direct contrast to the more thoughtful Garrick and the unorthodox Goldsmith. Owen Sharpe, who played Goldsmith, realistically portrayed the contrasting character of the “down-at-heel”, creative playwright with the untamed hairstyle.

Perhaps for some the speed of change between the scenes at the Turks Head, Garrick’s home and the theatre could make it difficult to follow the story line, especially when combined with the characters playing dual roles where there was insufficient difference between speech, mannerisms and clothing. However, the fast movement during the first half of the play helped to guide the audience through the difficult decision that Garrick needed to make between two new plays that his theatre could perform. Garrick, played by Jason Watkins, was always the actor, whether to the audience of his actors in his own theatre or his visitors to his home and he moved fluidly between the roles retaining the keen interest of the Bath audience. Garrick, famous for his development of theatre in the 18th century, relies on others to help him to decide between the two plays. His wife, who struggled with her Germanic accent, and Hannah Moore influenced his decision not to perform Goldsmith’s play and the scenes of decline of Garrick’s theatre contrasted with the successful performance of “She Stoops to Conquer” at a rival theatre. During these latter scenes the audience could almost have been transported into the “rowdy” scenes of an 18th century theatre, but this 21st century audience accepted the death of Goldsmith and the decline of Garrick and the laughter died out.

A new play which the audience quietly enjoyed.

A Laughing Matter, produced by the Out of Joint company, continues its tour of the country, with Northampton as the next venue, and is played alongside She Stoops to Conquer. © JG

“A Laughing Matter” is in Bath on the 8th of April until the 12th of April, 2003.