Review: The Ladykillers

This must be rather frustrating for the creative team behind this touring stage version of the 1955 Ealing comedy, since this really is a grand reinvention.

At the core of the changes is Graham Linehan’s script which is playful but intelligent. But then the creator of Channel 4 comedy, Father Ted, knows a thing or two about cementing comedy characters within a farcical framework.

The basic set-up of five robbers pitched against a little old lady who, unwittingly, provides them with a base 
for their crimes, remains intact.

But the lines have more of an edge, often making cheeky contemporary references, and there are some corkers in there too: “Being fooled by art,” says the ringleader while glancing at the audience of The Grand, “is one of the primary pleasures of the middle classes.”

Said ringleader is Professor Marcus, played perfectly by Paul Bown, with some terrific counter-performances from Michele Dotrice as the little old lady, Mrs Wilberforce, and Cliff Parisi (better known as Minty from EastEnders) as the biggest crook of the gang, Louis Harvey.

Special mention must surely go to Marcus Taylor who was filling in the role of Major Courtney (a role due to be played by Casualty star Clive Mantle before he had part of his ear bitten off during an altercation in Newcastle). Taylor was first rate, and delivered some of the best moments of the show.

The problem is that The Ladykillers doesn’t quite achieve the same success enjoyed by similar shows like One Man Two Guvnors. An unfair comparison? Perhaps. But it serves to highlight the fact that, however entertaining this version is, it’s never going to achieve universal appeal.

To April 6

Leeds Grand Theatre