Based on the hit 1988 film starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels tells the tale of two conniving conmen Lawrence and Freddy and their attempts to outshine each other when it comes to fleecing wealthy women of their jewels, cash and occasionally their morals.
The musical first premièred on Broadway in 2005 where it was nominated for an impressive 10 Tony Awards including best musical, best book and best score. Now, following a successful pre-West End run at the Opera House in November 2013, the production returns to Manchester with a new cast as part of its 2015 UK and Ireland tour.
Written by David Yazbek and Jeffrey Lane we are transported to the dazzling French Riviera for a fabulously fun evening of decadence, deception, double crossing and laughs a plenty. Michael Praed takes on the role of smooth talking Lawrence whilst Noel Sullivan of Hear’Say fame plays the crasser, unpolished apprentice Freddy. Both are perfectly cast in their roles and give excellent performances. As well as two very strong leads there are some seriously impressive ladies in this first-rate production. Carley Stenson most well known for her portrayal of Steph in Hollyoaks is fantastic in the role of Christine Colgate; the target of both conmen, she isn’t quite as innocent as she looks. Phoebe Coupe plays a superb Jolene Oaks, a larger than life oil heiress from Oklahoma who has her and Lawrence’s future wrapped up until she meets Lawrence’s repulsive brother Ruprecht and Geraldine Fitzgerald who gives a delightful performance as Muriel Eubanks.
The script gifts the actors with gags a plenty; it’s sharp, witty and fabulous fun. Mark Benton’s portrayal of Andre, Lawrence’s assistant who is just as corrupt as his Master is brilliantly comedic. Director and Choreographer Jerry Mitchell has excelled in producing a piece of theatre that’s fun, flirty and totally fabulous. This uplifting production succeeds in leaving the audience grinning from ear to ear, an absolute riot from start to finish.
The Opera House
Wednesday 20th – Saturday 30th May
http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/dirty-rotten-scoundrels/
