The Lavender Hill Mob played at the Richmond Theatre, starring Miles Jupp and Justin Edwards as Holland and Pendlebury, a duo desperate for money.
South West Londoner previously interviewed fellow cast member Victoria Blunt, who plays Audrey. With a simple yet thoughtful set, lots of energy and a hilarious plot, the stage was set for a magnificent evening.
Based off the 1951 film directed by Charles Crichton, the play contains an excited buzz from start to finish.
Never dull, it begins with Holland in Rio de Janeiro recounting his life to the attentive Farrow (Guy Burgess), who Holland believes to be a film director.
And Holland’s story is fit for a film. The subtleties and self-referential approach is something the play is never afraid of, yet retains its accessibility for those not familiar with the source material.
Having a character to whom the story is being explained makes the drama far more understandable to the audience. Travelling from Rio to London and back again, this intercontinental journey is a whirlwind without becoming confusing.
Indeed, the drama was enhanced by how effectively the cast acted as one. Whether it was shuffling in unison to represent a change of location or feeling captivated by a spec of gold, the play demonstrated just how much can be achieved with something so simple.
This is a recurring theme throughout the drama. Numerous props are moulded out of simple items. A golden box becomes a gold bullion.
A table and silver plate become a van and steering wheel. Bananas morph into guns and Victoria Blunt even plays seagulls at one point. The cast’s innovation demonstrates their willingness to make full use of their surroundings.
For the most simple touches are often the most effective. Thanks to Phil Porter’s excellent script and Jeremy Sams’ magnificent direction, everyone performs at their best.
On stage for almost the whole time, they effortlessly switch in and out of roles. Just a change of prop (like a hat or glasses), accent and movement convinces the audience they are someone different.
The play gives a sense of authenticity without appearing unprofessional or amateur. This is a tricky balance to strike and again demonstrates the hard work of planning the drama.
As we see Holland trying to steal the gold bullions he drives around London everyday, the farcical style become clear. Yet, within its extravagance and raucous developments, discipline and credibility remain.
The cast succeeds in leaving the audience laughing. While Jupp and Edwards are the two best known actors, as Victoria Blunt said, everyone is playing their part.
The plot and development would not work if the cast of characters weren’t all experiencing the chaos driving the narrative forward.
As the drama moves across the channel to France and back, stereotypes are amusingly portrayed to enhance the drama’s eccentricity.
Henry Holland and Pendlebury, desperate to return to London, find themselves at the mercy of a French taxi driver, whose opinions of the UK are not kind, to put it politely. One of the most hilarious scenes in the play, the audience were riveted by every second.
In the end, despite its initial setting of Rio, the play is a celebration of London. Henry Holland’s character is a Londoner through and through.
Whatever mishaps he experiences – the play offers plenty – the yearning love for the capital is never-ending and without question.
In amongst trying to escape justice, that sentiment was admirable. If sales of The Lavender Hill Mob DVD increase in the wake of this tour of shows, that would be no surprise. The stage show is the best advert for it. Bravo to all.
Featured image credit: Maidwell Marketing
