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One of my best times ever in the theatre was a NIDA production, many years ago, of a Georges Feydeau comedy A Flea In Her Ear. The French playwright is considered the master of farce.

It is very flattering that the French call British playwright Ray Cooney ‘The English Feydeau’.

One of Cooney’s most successful farces is CHASE ME, COMRADE!, which was inspired by the true story of Rudolf Nureyev, a famous Russian ballet dancer, who defected to the West in the 1960’s.

Nancy Rimmington (Jessica James Moody) is the daughter of famous Commander Rimmington of the British Navy (Greg Kenyon). One day, her friend, Alicia Courtney (Koren Chambers) arrives at her house and explains that she has assisted the Russian ballet dancer, Petrovyan (Samuel Chapman), in defecting, and, that he is, at the moment in the trunk of her car.

Nancy and Alicia have to distract Nancy’s father while they sneak him into the house. The Commander ends up going fishing, but then a government official arrives with a letter for him. Gerry Buss (Douglas Spafford), Nancy’s fiancé, ends up impersonating the Commander, and all hell breaks out.

Glenda Kenyon  directs the action well, maintaining the show’s frenetic pace. Farce depends on precision like timing from its actors, with doors constantly opening and closing, and the cast running after each other in every direction, including up the chimney!

These were my favourite performances.

Douglas Spafford gave the performance of the night as Gerry Buss. His performance was high energy, physical and slapstick comedy.

Jordan Kenyon was a comic figure as poor old Constable Pulford  who tries to take control of ever escalating chaos. Pulford catches a glimpse of the Russian escapee Petrovyan who then disappears into the ether.

Robert Mason was great as the Commander Rimmington’s well intentioned neighbour Hoskins who wished he had never come and said hello!

TJ Rose was great as a drunken government official.

Glenda and Greg Kenyon jointly designed the finely detailed set of Commander Bimmington’s living room.

CHASE ME, COMRADE!  was a lot of fun. It kind of asks the question why aren’t there more farces in mainstream theatre.  For great escapist entertainment it is hard to beat a good farce.

CHASE ME, COMRADE! is playing the Rockdale Theatre Guild, Walz Street, Rockdale until 10th December 2022.

Bookings: 02-9597-4558   or   bookings@guildtheatre.com.au

https://www.guildtheatre.com.au/