Last of the Red Hot Lovers

Last of the Red Hot Lovers is being presented in lovely retro style at Old Mill Theatre. Beautifully directed with a superb cast, it is entertaining capacity audiences.

Neil Simon’s famous play tells of Barney Cashman as he attempts, three times, to embark on an extra-marital affair. Set in Barney’s mother’s apartment, the set is very nicely designed and constructed by George Boyd, and decorated with lovely touches by Dale James. Set in about 1969, the cast have created wonderful costumes that beautifully evoke the time period, as well as being excellent indications of character. John Woolrych has provided an era appropriate, hum-along sound design and a realistic, lovely lighting design.

Murray Jackson brings a beautifully timed comic performance and impressive layers of character to the central role of Barney. Gloriously rubber-faced, his ever so slight over-play works well in this show, and he creates a believable and different relationship with each of his co-stars.

Nyree Hughes brings pizazz and a wonderfully wry delivery to the sexually confident Elaine Navazio. A late replacement in this role, this is a performance with lovely depth, which is very endearing.

Ellin Sears bursts onto the stage with great flair as the vibrant and flaky actress Bobbi Michelle, a high energy appearance with lots of charm.

Melissa Merchant, who in real life is married to Murray Jackson, perhaps unsurprisingly, works particularly well opposite her stage partner, with exceptional timing and balance. Melissa plays the melancholy Jeannette Fisher, whose reticence contrasts perfectly with Barney’s enthusiasm. An expertly controlled, beautifully underplayed and funny performance.

It is interesting watching this show in the present climate, with greatly changed views on consent and assault, how much this show has dated. While Barney’s actions, especially in Act 3, were very normal in a late 60s climate, they would not be viewed sympathetically today. 

Nicely polished, this is a faithful production of this 50-year-old play, that remains fun in the hands of this expert team. A show keeps its audience completely absorbed.

Kimberley Shaw