Charley’s Aunt

First produced in 1892, this adapted version of Charley’s Aunt is still classic comedy.

Set in an Edwardian Boys College, the play involves college lads Jack Chesney and Charley Wyckham in their endeavour to court the young ladies, Kitty and Amy respectively, despite not having a chaperone. Charley’s aunt from Brazil is supposed to be the chaperone, but she is delayed. So, Jack and Charley persuade their fellow college mate, Fancourt Babberly, an amateur actor, to dress as Charley’s aunt. The confusion then begins.

Played out on a tight set, the action is fast and furious. Outstanding is Johnathon Tydings as Jack. Every action, every gesture reeks of upper-class superiority as he tries to keep the plot together. Equally as good is Matthew Raleigh, who, somehow, is believable as an ungainly Charley’s aunt. Both Tydings and Raleigh are well supported by Aarron Singh as Charley Wyckham, Alice Bosanquet as Kitty and Amelia Roy as Amy. Bosanquet’s mechanical over pronunciation of upper-class English is one of the comic parts of the play.

The comedy intensifies when Amy’s father, Stephen Spettigue, takes a huge liking to Charley’s aunt. Spettigue is played by Dean Franklin who continually lusts after the aunt in what is a gem of a performance.

Charley’s aunt is also chased by Jack’s father, the penniless war hero, Sir Francis Chesney, so well acted by Antony Roth. Sir Francis is appalled by the aunt’s looks, but still pursues her because of her supposed wealth.

In supporting roles, veteran actor Wayne Rees gives a classic ‘butler’ performance. Mara Turner elegantly plays the real aunt, while Rebecca Martin as Ella, is her charming companion.

The costumes, the set and the talent of the actors had the large audience believing that they had stepped back into another age. The production was an enjoyable farce from beginning to end as the actors and director Kevin Shorey made the ridiculous plot totally believable.

Ken Cotterill

Photograph: Rebecca Martin (Ella) and Mara Turner (Mrs Buttercup Smythe).