The Ladykillers, a classic film from the heyday of Ealing Studios, was remade in 2004 for the American market.
The result angered and disappointed a lot of viewers.
There can be no such feelings for Graham Linehan’s faithful stage adaptation or with Wick Theatre Company’s excellent production under the direction of Tony Brownings.
The familiar story remains - a gang of criminals, posing as musicians, rent rooms in the dilapidated house of the elderly Miss Wilberforce, allegedly to rehearse but in reality to plan and carry out a robbery.
The robbery succeeds but the consequences are lethal.
A clever set uses the floor of the theatre and the stage to create the different levels of the house whilst a neat trick realises the roof top.
The original film’s iconic performances present a challenge that the cast takes up magnificently. Their characterisation is such that the originals are soon forgotten. Each contributes to a night of hilarious entertainment.
Judith Berrill is delightful as the sweetly innocent landlady whilst H Reeves, as the gang’s leader produces a heady mixture of comedy and menace.
One has to mention John Garland as the gormless One Round. He has the audience hooting with laughter.
Four stars
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