Show 4: Marriage

Thanks to social media, I learnt that Tom Parry of Pappy's fame had adapted a mid 19th century Russian play by Gogol called Marriage.

Yeah, me neither.

But it promised a star studded cast of Ben Clark (Pappy's), Adam Riches, the members of Lazy Susan and two of BEASTS, which is surely a recipe for great comic theatre.

The play is held in one of my old lecture theatres, oddly (one of the George Square lecture theatres) which made me wonder what the learning objectives of the session would be.

Light jazzy piano sets the scene. Peter (Ben Clark) plays a taxman contemplating ending his days of drinking and leisure with the assured life of marriage, but the problem is, who shall he marry? His good friend (played by Riches) is initially astounded that his friend would even contemplate entering the institution, himself seemingly trapped in marriage, but he sets out to find his friend a suitable wife.

Enter a potential wife and three competitors: a womaniser, an obese auditor and perhaps the most dull man to have ever visited the Isle of Sicilly.

What ensues is a delightfully comic adventure as Riches' character attempts to sabotage his friend's competitors while persuading Peter to actually marry.

While the play has excellent acting and writing, it also throws up interesting questions: what really is the point of marriage? Is it for convenience? Do we really want it, or do we enter it due to social expectations? Is there really love between a married couple?

The intentions and motives of Riches' character are also questionable, and Riches' superb acting leaves the audience wondering what really are his feelings towards Peter.

Something has to be said too about the actors - a delightful set of sketch and character comedians well versed in creating memorable comic creations, and the whole ensemble worked extraordinarily well together.

A great production and thoroughly enjoyable, it was great to see some well known comedians in the more conventional theatrical setting and still make an engaging piece.

Score: 8/10
Venue: Assembly George Square Studios
Dates: 8th-30th August (not 19th)
Times: 14:00
Price: £13 (£11.50) weekends, £12 (£11) weekdays