A case of mistaken identity is set to cause plenty of chaos when Act 1 Theatre brings its latest farce to the stage this month.
The Strathpine-based theatre company will perform the fast-paced comedy, Up And Running, opening Friday, 13 November and running until Sunday, 29 November. Directed by Terry Frawley, the production is a farce by British playwright Derek Benfield.
Terry said he had been looking for an enjoyable comedy when he came across the script.
“Up And Running was one of several scripts I was reading,” he said. “I was looking for an enjoyable comedy. It had what I wanted, a funny script, small cast and easy set.”
He said he then had to convince the theatre’s committee to choose the production but that “having a script by Derek Benfield whose work we have done before helped”.
Classic Misunderstandings, Fast Timing, and Farce Chaos
Up And Running follows veteran TV talk-show host Patrick Sumner, who is desperate to impress his new producer when a young woman arrives at his London flat and passes herself off as his wife. When Patrick’s real wife unexpectedly returns from Paris, he becomes caught in a series of lies and misunderstandings.
According to Terry, audiences can expect “a fast-moving farce with great physical comedy.”
“Live comedy is so much about the timing and both sight gags and physical humour,” he said. “Up And Running has (it) in spades.”
Dan Baker, who plays the lead role of Patrick, described his character as a man who is “afraid his career is waning” and “desperate to prove that it isn’t!”
“He is hyper self-aware of his image and tonight’s farce has him scrambling to save his image and prove he is of good moral calibre,” he said.
Dan said he was drawn to the role because of his love for English comedy.
“And a quick-paced farce makes me giggle like a vicar who’s just found the sherry cupboard,” he said. “Patrick is the epitome of a character caught in a farce, and the fast-paced misunderstandings are so much fun to portray.
“There is a timeless magic to a witty farce, and this is certainly a very funny one!”
Terry said the production centred on a believable comedy of errors, with some hidden twists and turns, which will keep the audience guessing.
“The expected is turned upside down,” he said. “Come for a great night of fast, farcical fun and frivolity.”
Up and Running
- 13 November – 29 November
- Act 1 Theatre (Old Shire Hall)
- 238 Gympie Road, Strathpine
- Reserve your spots here
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