A Mad World my Masters, Barbican ★★★★★
The riotous RSC A Mad World my Masters set in 1950s Soho brings energy and slapstick to the Barbican.
A Mad World my Masters - photo by Manuel Harlan
A Mad World my Masters, Barbican - review: Culture Whisper says ★★★★★
A Mad World My Masters is not the easiest play to get your head around... Mr Penitent Brothel is in love with Mrs Littledick, whose husband keeps her under lock and key because of his extreme jealousy. The only person allowed to visit her is an Irish nun who is really prostitute Truly Kidman in disguise. Truly and her mother are out to trick a number of men out of their money, including Sit Bounteous Peersucker whose nephew, Dick Follywit, and his comrades are also after his fortune. First and foremost, Thomas Middleton's play was written to be laughed at, and this production absolutely delivers on that score. While the lewd jokes may grow a tad tedious (there are only so many phallus references one audience can take), the slapstick physical comedy was absolutely top-notch. Look out for Act 2's perfectly orchestrated magical appearing act (we still can't work out how they did it!) Particularly outstanding in this regard – although the whole cast were brilliant buffoons – were double act Charlie Archer and Nicholas Prasad, and we were a little disappointed that they did not feature more heavily.Sarah Ridgeway as call-girl with guile Truly Kidman also deserves a mention, as does Linda John-Pierre whose sultry vocals underscored the entire show.
Set in 1950s Soho, this production relies heavily on its design, and costume supervisor Samantha Pickering in particular does a stellar job at bringing that world to life with luscious fabrics, well tailored suits and nipped-in waistlines.
Fundamentally, the things that didn't quite gel in this production were due, at least in part, to its move from the intimate thrust stage of The Swan in Stratford to the 1160 seat Barbican. The actors' frequent breaks in the fourth wall were well handled and often very funny but lacked the intimacy that was provided by the production's original home.
A Mad World My Masters is a great evening's entertainment, full of unceasingly energetic performances, but for Jacobean purists it may just be one gimmick too far.
A Mad World My Masters is not the easiest play to get your head around... Mr Penitent Brothel is in love with Mrs Littledick, whose husband keeps her under lock and key because of his extreme jealousy. The only person allowed to visit her is an Irish nun who is really prostitute Truly Kidman in disguise. Truly and her mother are out to trick a number of men out of their money, including Sit Bounteous Peersucker whose nephew, Dick Follywit, and his comrades are also after his fortune. First and foremost, Thomas Middleton's play was written to be laughed at, and this production absolutely delivers on that score. While the lewd jokes may grow a tad tedious (there are only so many phallus references one audience can take), the slapstick physical comedy was absolutely top-notch. Look out for Act 2's perfectly orchestrated magical appearing act (we still can't work out how they did it!) Particularly outstanding in this regard – although the whole cast were brilliant buffoons – were double act Charlie Archer and Nicholas Prasad, and we were a little disappointed that they did not feature more heavily.Sarah Ridgeway as call-girl with guile Truly Kidman also deserves a mention, as does Linda John-Pierre whose sultry vocals underscored the entire show.
Set in 1950s Soho, this production relies heavily on its design, and costume supervisor Samantha Pickering in particular does a stellar job at bringing that world to life with luscious fabrics, well tailored suits and nipped-in waistlines.
Fundamentally, the things that didn't quite gel in this production were due, at least in part, to its move from the intimate thrust stage of The Swan in Stratford to the 1160 seat Barbican. The actors' frequent breaks in the fourth wall were well handled and often very funny but lacked the intimacy that was provided by the production's original home.
A Mad World My Masters is a great evening's entertainment, full of unceasingly energetic performances, but for Jacobean purists it may just be one gimmick too far.
TRY CULTURE WHISPER
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| What | A Mad World my Masters, Barbican |
| Where | Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Barbican (underground) |
| When |
29 Apr 15 – 09 May 15, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM |
| Price | £10 - £40 |
| Website | Click here to book via the Barbican Centre |