You won’t want to skedaddle from this kinetic comedy - A Brief Case of Crazy is an impeccably timed rom-com delight. Skedaddle Theatre expand on their Edinburgh Fringe hit for an hour of unbridled joy fit for all the family. Summary
Rating
Excellent
Up-and-coming troupe Skedaddle Theatre comprises of three Physical Theatre graduates whose signature style combines slick slapstick, mime and puppetry. A cockney chorus of blokes in bowler hats introduce us to the kitsch office romance of Thomas (Rowan Armitt-Brewster) and Daisy (Lennie Longworth).
Dialogue is kept to a minimum in favour of a high-octane ride through movement and dance. The play draws upon the exuberance of the silent film era, finding a fresh take in pairing Charlie Chaplin-like routines with a timely tale of social anxiety.
Desktop desire is quashed by crippling shyness as well as the advances of “full time winner, part time player” Simon (Samuel Cunningham). Wallflower Daisy is torn between love and the prospects offered by boss Simon as he tempts her towards the bright lights of Upper Waddlington – with her crazy briefcase in tow.
Though the title suggests craziness, the production is well crafted from start to finish, never missing a beat. Each of those beats has a satisfying synchronicity between the ensemble and their soundtrack. A rich soundscape of music, effects and voice over completes the world the choreography illustrates.
Company Director Brewster makes a bold statement with Thomas as he opts for a wordless protagonist. Grunts and squeals make Thomas look like Mr Bean’s mad cousin and yet with colleague Daisy, his heart melts. And so do ours. The duo’s sweetness is evident in the many ‘awhs’ the audience coo out. Both Brewster and Longworth enjoy their asides with an audience very much on their side.
Longworth displays an aptitude for multi-roling as her geezer narrator Mick is poles apart from Lancashire lass Daisy. Her squeaky tone and retro beret hark back to the glory days of “Victoria Wood – As Seen on TV”. But whilst Longworth’s third role as the demented Demelza is fun, it muddies an otherwise streamlined story. The chorus morphs into the office dynamic without the need of an extra character.
Cunningham’s Simon is both suave and stupid as he slinks from scene to scene. His chauvinism subdues Thomas as we retreat into a tragic retelling of the introvert’s childhood. A beautiful marionette puppet sweeps onstage as the trio manipulate the doll through painful memories. During the sequence, a striking shadow is cast and exploring this shadowing further may elevate the powerful imagery presented.
This production’s power lies in its ability to jump from tragedy to comedy. The titular briefcase allows for a madcap climax and an ice rink date showcases Brewster’s impressive miming as he slides in and out of the splits.
Skeddadle Theatre has a natural harmony and their bowler hats brim with personality. It is refreshing to see a comedy swap vulgarity for heart and just like that mysterious briefcase – “it’s what’s on the inside that counts”.
Written and Directed by Rowan Armitt-Brewster
Produced by: Skedaddle Theatre
A Brief Case of Crazy plays at Riverside Studios until Saturday 19 April.
