REVIEW: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, until November 28.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels proves just as irresistible on stage as it did on film.
Dirty Rotten ScoundrelsDirty Rotten Scoundrels
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

You probably won’t come away humming any of the songs. They are just not strong enough. And this touring version just doesn’t quite have the sparkle of the London production earlier this year.

But there are plenty of laughs and some strong performances in a thoroughly-entertaining night out at the theatre.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Michael Praed steps into the Michael Caine shoes which were worn by Robert Lindsay in London and probably doesn’t have quite the charisma of either. But he’s still good value as the conman, easily, slightly joylessly fleecing the rich in an upmarket French resort.

And then along comes Noel Sullivan as Freddy, a player Lawrence sniffily dismisses as being in a far lower league... until they open battle for supremacy, little knowing they’re both the biggest dupes around.

Sullivan’s creation of brother Rupprecht and a disabled, lovesick serviceman is priceless; Praed snaps his heels nicely as a dodgy therapist as he ups his own game. Meanwhile, Carley Stenson is spot on as Christine, the prize and the victim they’ve set themselves.

Great fun from first to last.

Phil Hewitt

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.