“In this world where we live, there should be more happiness, bring me fun, bring me sunshine, bring me love.”
Dennis Herdman as “Dennis” and Thom Tuck as “Tom” in The Play What I Wrote | Photo © Manuel Harlan
Lyrics synonymous with the great Morecambe and Wise and here at the Theatre Royal in the closing moments of this fabulous production – there was so much love and sunshine it felt like a massive theatrical hug.
The premise is hardly a secret anymore. But it is full of utter joy and silliness which has rarely been surpassed.
Dennis Herdman and Thom Tuck are a double act, a tall funny guy and a shorter straight man. Tuck wants to write plays whilst Herdman tricks him into a Morecambe and Wise type show supposedly suggested by legendary producer David Pugh.
Act 1 is the exposition and Act 2 is the revelation of all fun with the excitement of a guest star. Charles Dance was game to take this on, much foolery, self-deprecation and all sorts of general nonsense made it a memorable guest spot.
The brilliance of the show is the trio of Herdman, Tuck and the outstanding Mitesh Soni as Herdman’s friend Arthur who multi roles with absolute ease and farcical results. A triumphant performance.
It is hard to remember hearing so much laughter and well as the sentimental nods and sighs to the memory of the Morecambe and Wise jokes.
This is a warm-hearted and razor-sharp comedy; even more impressive by the cast making it appear so very easy. The talent is superb and without question, it is difficult to imagine a harder working trio on tour right now.
There are so many reasons to watch this production multiple times and without spoilers it is hard to speak any more highly of.
Grab a ticket and take a trip. You will never regret it.
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Reviewer: Petra Schofield
The Play What I Wrote is showing at the Theatre Royal in Bath until Saturday 22nd January 2022.
