It Runs in the Family

“Oh what a tangled we weave, when first we practice to deceive.” If only Sir Walter Scott’s warning had been heeded by Dr David Mortimer (Steven Pinder), well this would be a very different story. Unfortunately, Scott’s words seemed to have been as absent to him as, it turns out, rational reasoning and It’s a vastly important day for noted neurologist, Dr Mortimer. Barely an hour away from delivering a lecture that could give put him on track for a knighthood and a significant promotion, he’s desperately trying to find some time to rehearse.

Unfortunately, the fates have decided that he’s not to have the peace and quiet he so needs. His boss is demanding last minute changes to his speech, his wife is providing a constant reminder of the time available, and the rest of the staff, joyously preparing for the hospital’s annual pantomime production, are nothing more than an annoying distraction. If that were not enough, former nurse, and his former secret lover, Jane Tate (Natasha Gray) turns up demanding his attention. It turns out that she has a son who is just turning 16 years old. It turns out that this son he has just found out his father did not die in a Himalayan hiking accident and actually works in the hospital. It also turns out that there’s a policeman in the reception there on the cusp of arresting her son. And it also turns out that, much to his shock, Dr Mortimer is said father.

Understandably, this has sent Dr Mortimer into a tizzy and, primarily focussed on delivering his life changing lecture, creates a little white lie to try and hush this up. However, that little lie turns into another and then another and, before anyone knows anything, has spiralled into a chaotic melange of lies and counter lies. Of course, this could all be sorted out very easily, but where’s the fun in that? This is a Ray Cooney play and, as fans of his will attest, the path of common sense is one that’s far from being trod. Plots and subplots obfuscate almost everything that comes in its way. Seemingly innocuous characters get pulled in and add to the growing chaos, confusion and hilarity.

This is farce at its most delicious. The story is fantastical nonsense, but it holds together wonderfully well. The comedy taps into a host of comedic tropes but does so in a way that doesn’t feel derivative or tired. Aldridge’s direction taps wonderfully into frenetic chaos of the story and zips along at great pace. Whilst this is ultimately an ensemble piece, the heart of the show centres around Dr Pinder and his put upon colleague Dr Bonney (Hubert Bradshaw). Pinder and Bradshaw are a delight to watch together, and the juxtaposition of Pinder’s increasing anxiety and Bonney’s doe-eyed confusion is a joy to watch. The rest of the cast deliver solid performances that keeps the humour flowing and the near-nonsense story on the right side of credibility. It's easy to poke holes and sneer at farce, but that’s missing the whole point. Granted the stories are contrived, but when done well, they produce some gloriously funny storytelling. And, just to be clear, this is a farce done well.

Runs until 12 April 2025

Sonny Waheed