Mistaken identities, unrequited romances, riotous plot twists and hilarious confusion take centre stage at the Dunfield Theatre Cambridge in One For The Pot, a brilliant British farce that will have audiences laughing out loud until Aug. 12.
The story behind this tale revolves around Billy Hickory Wood, a young man determined to prove that he is the only surviving child of a rich mill owner in order to claim a hefty inheritance.
Because this is a farce, it turns out that there are indeed several other would-be heirs to the Hickory Wood fortune … all of whom emerge from the woodwork to vie for the money.
Trouble is, each successive arrival looks exactly identical to Billy Hickory Wood, which naturally leads to an ever-escalating series of mix-ups, faux pas, and hare-brained schemes.
Director Marcia Kash brings this madcap farce to life with the razor-sharp wit, and frenetic pacing required to maximize the bountiful humour in the script.
The creative team also includes set designer Allan Wilbee, who in typical farcical fashion ensures there is a dizzying array of entrances and exits on the elaborate set; costume designer Ivan Brozic, whose period attire distinguishes each of the comical claimants; and lighting designer Lyle Franklin, who skillfully illuminates the abundance of tomfoolery on stage.
Audience favourite Eddie Glenn brings his signature hyperkinetic energy to the stage as Billy Hickory Wood. The chameleonic Glen not only plays Billy, but convincingly portrays four different Hickory Wood characters – each complete with different personalities and regional accents – with seeming ease and undeniable stage presence.
Tim Funnell is the crafty, cockeyed ‘solicitor’ Charlie Barnet. With deceit dripping behind every devious smile, he manages to be both cunning and charming as he slyly pursues his secret agenda.
David Leyshon rounds out this comedic trio as the coy house servant, Jugg. He delivers the laughs through long-suffering looks, contorted facial expressions, and exaggerated silent body language.
Veteran actor Brian Tree assumes the identity of Jonathan Hardcastle, the rich mill owner who is trying to stay in control of his chaotic household.
Sarah Higgins is suitably wide-eyed and innocent as Jonathan’s daughter, Cynthia Hardcastle, whose love life and every move are scrutinized by her overprotective father.
Andrea Risk is his wacky sister, Amy Hardcastle, while Kyle Golemba finds a terrific balance between stuffiness and suaveness as the beguiling art critic Clifton Weaver.
Amanda Leigh mines laughs as Billy’s histrionic wife, Winnie, and Douglas E. Hughes is the ever-amusing amusing solicitor, Arnold Piper. Newcomer Jason Huska rounds out the cast.
Written by Ray Cooney and Tony Hilton, One for the Pot is British farce at its finest – or perhaps more aptly, richest.
It was the first collaboration for Cooney and Hilton and its original 1959 London production ran for four and a half years.
One for the Pot runs at the Dunfield Theatre Cambridge until Aug. 12. Tickets are $46 for adults and $27 for youth under 20 years of age.
Tickets for groups of 20 or more and select discount dates are $37. HST is applicable to all ticket prices.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.draytonentertainment.com, in person at the box office, or by calling 519-621-8000 or toll free at 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).
