Bedlam is the word when Bill wakes up on his wedding day beside a naked stranger.
Terror is the word as his betrothed walks in. Uproarious is the word to describe the ensuing absurd and unfortunate events in the British farce, Perfect Wedding.
Bill must endure further torment with a cuckolded best man, ostentatious in-laws and a moral minority chambermaid.
The audience appeared to concentrate on the action and try to make sense of it when in fact there was none. However, any troubles they may feel they had were alleviated by the comparative misery of Bill plus his hangover.
In farcical fashion there is no need for a distinct plot; the carte blanche of double entendres, startling revelations, mistaken identities, slamming doors, desperate pleas/lies and more slamming doors give rise to unfettered fun. One-liners were lacking; the focus of the comedy was the confusion.
A fun-loving crew makes the show, with Darren Keay as Bill, the befuddled groom. He manages to retain sympathy despite his shenanigans.
Jackie Mustakas braves the role of Judy, the other woman, whose brow raising actions flare up the chaos. She manages to inject drama and pathos into the nonsense.
The chambermaid is delightfully played by Gabi Epstein with most enjoyable sass. She is hilarious as she sees “the lot of them” for what they are.
Josee Boudreau is the straight-man bride whose faith in her betrothed grapples on until the end.
David Leyshon plays Tom, the best man whose convincing hold on dignity nearly makes it to the end.
Karen Wood takes it to the max as the bride’s embellished mother, Daphne. Her pitchy “Here Comes the Bride” matches her garish outfit. Costume designer Jessica Bray created this unique outfit amongst others.
Set Designer Jeff Johnston Collins has created an inviting and detailed country inn setting with sturdy door frames.
Perfect Wedding was written by Robin Hawdon and directed by James Kall with comic timing flair.
The wedding season will be a breeze after this.
Perfect Wedding runs until July 14. For tickets call the Drayton Festival Theatre box office at 519-638-5555 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866).
