Once again, I am left wondering why Soul Pepper continues to produce dated chestnuts like this one. They have a talented company who deserve to be better used. And a faithful audience who should get to see something funny when the play is designated a comedy.
This play may have been shocking and very funny in 1969, but it is so dated now that it is just silly. The only reason to do this play would be to update it and deal with relevant jokes. Even then, I am not convinced it would be worth the effort.
Despite the forgoing I did not hate the production. The cast was excellent and did manage to make me laugh.
The program notes suggested that we should see this as more than just a farce. Social commentary I suppose.
ReplyDeleteWell, Orton can write a farce - Loot was fun - but this is a painfully unsuccessful attempt. It felt like a college attempt at a farce: weak jokes with mild obscenity and shots at authority to shock the parents/teachers.
Even if it were successful on those terms (which I doubt) it is now dated - and the jokes are just as weak.
Rather boring, really.