A must-do for fans of the TV series, watch how the set-pieces of monologues and dialogues are extended, and how the stage affects the relationship of actors to each other, to the working space, and the audience. This is a new view of an old favourite.
Director Greg Cameron should be very pleased with his cast and backstage. Carey Knapp as Foggy (sharply dressed in the wardrobing by Bridget Hurley) keeps act one superbly anchored as he lets the opening scenes and action flow around him, while being the counterpoint to the darting and nervous energy of Clegg played by Ted Charlton.
With the introduction of Mike Boag's Compo early into the act, the three protagonists we know so well are together again to begin this caper proper.
Needless to say with all things from these chums, the plot involves an over-complication to an under-thought-out plan, with a dash of mad capers and confusion.
Setting up and supporting the unfolding hijinks are Foggy's nemesis, Gifford Bewmont, as played by Chris McKenzie, Lizz Hudson as the scheming Nora Batty, and Karen Hughes as her neice Constance, and central figure to the plot.
For the least amount of stage time, Hughes has the best opportunities for hamming it up the most as the clueless Constance.
In the meantime, TV viewers are introduced to The Flasher, a character especially created by Clarke for this play, and acted out with the deadpan of the jester, a la Shakespeare, by Hamish Cameron.
Indeed, the second act ups the pace with well written and crafted scenes occurring on and off-stage. Here, Bewmont and Nora link the internal and external actions with great timing.
A well-played chase scene, moments of mistaken identity and a suitable but messy end to Foggy's dilemma concludes the act and a great play.
Glenn Cameron will be pleased with the opening night performance. Pre-publicity talked of Yorkshire accents studied and honed for "authenticity", but the lack of any does not detract at all. The New Zealand twang underlying the clear dialogue adds to the fresh viewing of this sit-com.
Last of the Summer Wine is full bodied, chipper, and presented with flair and style that respects a great stalwart of British comedy in Clarke and a bunch of well-loved TV characters, and is surely an "actor's play" for the fun and levity in each role.
The next performances are this coming Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, August 3-5, at 7:30pm. Ticket sales at Royal Wanganui Opera House, or online from http://www.royaloperahouse.co.nz
