Review: Carmen **

Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough

Last year Chris Monks made Gilbert and Sullivan not just sufferable, but entertaining, for this longtime sceptic.

Bizet’s Carmen is the latest work to receive the Chris Monks treatment and, while he directs with panache, he has created an uphill battle with his adaptation. The problem is that, unlike with his cricketing Mikado, there seems to be no self awareness, no sense of the ridiculous. In short, it takes itself too seriously. Sticking Japanese warriors in cricket gear is inherently funny, but you still need to create the comedy around it. Similarly, making the toreador of Carmen a footballer is amusing – but you still need to work for the laughter.

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For some time you wonder if it is actually supposed to be taken seriously, but then the Toreador’s song becomes footballer Tony Amor’s song (cleverly) and it confirms the production is looking for laughs. As director, Monks creates good set pieces, but the material is found wanting.

To September 3.