It's that tragic clown again

Sex and comedy are the great levellers in this new offering from the Old Town Theatre Company.

And like any good comedy it all ends in tears - of grief for those on stage, and of laughter for those in the audience.

It's a good choice of play, with a happy mix of poignancy and frivolity and every chance for individuals to shine in the big set pieces.

This they undoubtedly do, in spite of the handicap of having one of their number sick on opening night. It was a situation that left them creditably unfazed as director Julian Smith read through the relevant part even as the custard pies were flying.

There is something quintessentially English about this little band of mimics idolising a long line of music hall stars all the way from Max Miller to Benny Hill.

Something very familiar too about their dysfunctional marriages and sexual hang-ups, which leave them floundering for a suitable punchline when the gags finally dry up. Sad fellows beneath the banter, these comedians, and it is no accident that Wendy Vickery's scornful wife, parading her need for love and affection like one more funny costume, is the most human of them all.

But they all nurse their pains and their secrets and Ashley Heath, Lance Hodges and Nicola de Iongh measure their timing well in unveiling them. Assuming the final mess of meringue can be cleared away in time, Dead Funny will play again tonight and tomorrow. Hopefully with a full cast.

Roger Dean
The Evening Advertiser