Ubu Roi *****

A play named ‘Ubu Roi’ does little to raise the interest theatregoers. When one hears that it is the struggle of a Polish citizen to gain the throne, then eyes start to glaze over.

However don’t be fooled, this is the funniest play that I have seen in many years.

If you can imagine Ric Mayall and his friends from ‘Bottom’ or the ‘Young ones’ doing a Greek tragedy then you will be starting to get the gist of the production.

Walter Hanna is the cruel Pa Ubu, a power mad fool who wishes to be rich and regal. He has to be seen to be believed. His performance is worthy of an award. He is brilliantly supported by his long suffering wife, Ma Ubu (Bec Bignall) who has plans of her own for power. A great cast.

The entrances and exits are manic. Directed by Christian Bradshaw, the action for the full 90 minutes of the show gave non-stop amazement. You will witness a fight with a real Russian bear. See Ubu gallop off on his sturdy steed. Witness his challenges with the church and his government ministers. Gasp as 200 Poles fight 200 Russians before your very eyes! Will he succeed in his plot for power?

From the opening seconds everyone in the audience was sore with laughing and gasped at some of the inane action. Not for the feint-hearted.

Technically a nightmare to produce, but the use of lighting and props were hilarious.

Don’t miss this show, it is at the Bakery in Northbridge until Saturday 8^th April