"All hail the new force in farce, the masters of mayhem, the commanders of comedy, the ~ well you get the idea!!" - Edinburgh Guide

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Laugh Yourself To Death

I admit, from their write-up on the Etcetera Theatre's website, I didn't expect much from this play.
"Three actor-pigs compete for your attention in this hilarious tale of sex and death."
Knowing that it was only an hour-long made me go. The hysterical writing, brilliant acting and ingenious use of both props and audience in this play directed by Cal McCrystal made me stay.
The story - buxom wench chooses between handsome medieval lord and wandering minstrel with all three facing the Black Death - is handled like Mel Brooks' Robin Hood: Men In Tights, but with tighter writing, and a much wittier, faster feel.
There's a Punch and Judy show with sex toys, and a rubber-masked doctor who sounds lke Yoda. The three actors (Clare Thomson, Mat Baynton and Jamie Glassman) are gifted comics and wry commentators on the thespian world, sending up the Rada/RSC "received" delivery with aplomb.
Other highlights included the "journey" to Leamington Spa, which was suggested by a remote control wagon trundling around the stage floor, and the spectacular choice of underwear by all three actors.
Go and see this; you'll laugh yourself to death.

Anna McHugh, Camden New Journal, 28th July 05