It turns out one of the ‘greatest British films’ makes a pretty great British play. Starring Alec Guinness, the 1951 original film has a firm spot in many hearts. Nothing gets us gripped more than a lovable gang of rouges we can root for. Crime capers have never really fallen out of favour, for a good reason.
This fast-paced and fun comedy will warm even the most crooked of spirits this November. Its laugh-out-loud comedy perfectly matches the thrilling tale of crime and caper.
I’ll admit that I have not watched the original. I went in completely unaware of what to expect, and it was great to see something so classic with fresh eyes. I left the theatre wanting more, and I was searching ‘where to stream The Lavender Hill Mob’ as soon as I got home.
Before we launch into my review, here’s some reaction from the opening night audience at the New Theatre in Cardiff We also spoke to the show producer who gave us a brief outline of the plot.
The play takes a new spin on the classic film. The story starts with Henry Holland (MILES JUPP) partying in Rio as the clock ticks closer to midnight on New Year’s Eve. He and his drinking buddies gather around to re-enact the epic story of The Lavender Hill Mob. Casting and directing his friends, Henry starts from the beginning, back in London.
He is an average, mild-mannered and perfectly honest Londoner. His perfect reputation and timid exterior provide the perfect cover when he decides to take his fortune into his own hands and heist gold bullion from the Royal Mint.
However, he can’t do it alone and enlists the assistance of Pendlebury (JUSTIN EDWARDS), a tacky tourist souvenir manufacturer. Holland hatches the plan to steal £1 million in gold and hide the evidence in miniature figurines of the Eiffel Tower.
Jupp and Edwards are both wonderful in their roles. They both are effortlessly charming as comedic criminals. Jupp is warm and relaxed, juxtaposing nicely to the questionable morality of his character. Edwards, both the party-going ambassador and Pendlebury, perfectly matches Jupp’s onstage presence in a way that is enjoyable to watch. Their chemistry helps solidify why capers like these are so fun to watch.
The rest of the cast were equally brilliant. Guests Audrey (VICTORIA BLUNT) and Lady Agnes (TESSA CHURCHARD) take several roles in the retelling of Holland’s story, including that of the two career criminals that Holland and Pendlebury hire to assist with their plan. They both put so much energy and comedy into their performances that your eyes naturally drifted towards them. I particularly loved Blunt’s interpretation of both English and French seagulls.
Every performance brings something a little different to the stage. From the mysterious film director, Farrow (GUY BURGESS), to the enthusiastic Fernanda (AAMIRA CHALLENGER), everyone on stage managed to get multiple laughs each throughout the runtime.
On a more technical note, I was taken aback by the set design (FRANCIS O’CONNOR) and the lighting (MARK HENDERSON) of the show. O’Connor, who also designed the wonderfully period costuming, manages to create a set that feels simultaneously like London and Rio, two places that aren’t often associated with one another.
The play is directed by JEREMY SAMS, who brings a new spin to this beloved film without sacrificing the charm and humour of an Ealing Studio comedy.
You do not want to miss THE LAVENDER HILL MOB at the New Theatre, Cardiff. It will be running until Saturday, with performances at 7:30pm each night with a 2:30pm matinee on Wednesday and Saturday. Tickets start from £14 and are available now. You can find more details and where to purchase tickets HERE.
To read our original show feature, go HERE.
