Written by: Peeny (@AdamPeeny) Where's Peen been?
Duke of York's Theatre, London
Was Peen keen?
*****
A production that truly is a class apart. Whilst you’re breathless with laughter and amazed from start to finish, it’s impossible to feel anything but supreme congratulation for Posh. These are ten young actors that will be gracing our stages for years to come – and this is a play that is sure to go down in West End history.
That’s because it has a wholly relevant,
hard-hitting message, deep beneath the top quality comedy. Though the opening
image may suggest so, it’s not all pretty pictures. Quite surprisingly so, too,
when it seems you’re just here to observe some pompous and harmless young
adults have a few too many drinks: it is quite flummoxing when the story pivots
completely.
The
Riot Club is having its termly meal (after two terms apart) inclusive of
countless toasts, luscious food, and expensive wine - a lot of bottles of
expensive wine. There’s a newbie in the gang, Ed Montgomery (played by Harry
Lister Smith) who learns the ropes of The Riot Club alongside the audience.
Things start to take a nasty turn when the landlord denies the boys their
hopeful sexual conquers with the call girl. In reaction, the boys and in
particular Alistair Ryle (expertly played by Leo Bill) express their deep
revulsion of poor people.
The direction (Lyndsey Turner) is clear-cut
and intelligent; moments such as the boys’ rendition of Earthquake by Labrinth aren’t just outrageously hilarious, but
pulled out of the bag so smoothly. The transitions in and out of the songs are
nothing short of perfect. What’s more, is the casts’ ability to perform the
music as well as the songs lyrics using nothing but their own instrument, which
is something that a lot of talented musicians struggle to master to the same
standard.
In a time where we are (arguably) obsessed
with the class system both socially and politically, and the recognition of it,
Posh could not be more fitting to
London’s theatreland. This has certainly been one of the most in demand, highly
rated and must-see events in London for the past couple of months, and there’s
no asking why. The cast and creative have managed to realise a production that
will remain in London’s, and certainly the Royal Court’s memory for a long time
to come. Even the ‘Poshary’ in the programme will be something that I pick up
to read time and time again. This production is impeccably wonderful in every
way. A massive Peeny stamp of approval. It’s savage. (Zeugma.) (Look it up, mate.)
'Posh' runs at the Duke of York's Theatre until Saturday 4 August 2012.
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