The Play What I Wrote at Malvern Theatres - Review

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Mon 14 Feb 2022 - Sat 19 Feb 2022

Part of the excitement around this comedy is the unknown factor of who will be the celebrity special guest.



It was no different when I saw it at Malvern Theatres and the crowd responded with murmur at the entrance of Only Fools and Horses actress Sue Holderness, aka Marlene.

The Play What I Wrote stays at Malvern until Saturday February 19 with a different star each night.

The premise of The Play What I Wrote - a homage to Morecambe and Wise - is strife between double act Thom and Dennis and how they move forward with their stage plans and professional relationship.

Thom has written a French Revolution play called 'A Tight Squeeze for the Scarlet Pimple' that he wants to put on while Dennis wants to continue as they normally do with their show that is about Morecambe and Wise.

Needing to get a celebrity guest when Ian McKellan fails to turn up leads to a mystery guest every performance, which has ranged from Tom Hiddleston in Birmingham to Ewan McGregor, Kylie Minogue and even Sting while on tour and in London's West End.



It's a very slapstick show that takes a little time to get used to and by the time the interval comes 45 minutes in, you realise what to expect.

The second act is another short 45 minutes but much faster-paced, almost panto in style with the mystery guest appearing. It gets funnier as it goes along and has some real laugh out loud moments.

While there are plenty of nods to Morecambe and Wise, it's not about them but a clever way of celebrating their comic genius by scriptwriters Hamish McColl and Sean Foley.

Opening and closing with one of their famous chats in bed in pyjamas has plenty of nostalgia for many. Then there's the numerous song and dance sequences, which can't help but remind you of famous TV clips and Christmas specials by the comedy giants.



Dennis Herdman and Thom Tuck are energetic likeable leads and they have great support from hilarious Mitesh Soni playing various parts thrown his way. He was the highlight for me.

It probably appeals more to Morecambe and Wise fans and is a bit haphazard at first but comes together later.

It's on tour as part of its 20th anniversary since being created and some elements do feel a bit dated, particularly in the first act.

But that said, a finale of song Bring Me Sunshine ends an enjoyably silly and often sentimental light comedy that reminds you just how special a place Morecambe and Wise have in most people's hearts.

Rating:& #9733 ;& #9733 ;& #9733 ;& #9734 ;& #9734 ;

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!date 14/02/2022 -- 19/02/2022
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