Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at Milton Keynes Theatre review

Like many, I love the Dirty Rotten Scoundrels movie starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin, so was excited when I learnt it had been turned into a stage musical, but apprehensive as to whether the chemistry of the two leads and the film humour would translate well onto stage.

On both counts, I needn’t have worried. The humour is just as fresh as when the movie was released and newly added dialogue, deliberate ‘mistakes’ and breaking the fourth wall (where the cast talk to the audience or, in this case, the orchestra) ensured the material was fresh but familiar at the same time.

The stage version is more of a visual treat than the movie and fans of Strictly Come Dancing will love the dances and outfits of the ensemble cast, which manage to create more of a period setting than the (at the time) modern setting of the film.

Former Robin of Sherwood and Dynasty star Michael Praed takes on the Michael Caine role of Lawrence Jameson effortlessly and really suits the character. His suave and sophisticated character is a very believable con-man and if you’ve never seen him on stage before, you will be amazed by his singing.

His fellow confidence trickster, Freddy Benson is played by former Hear’say vocalist Noel Sullivan taking on the arguably more difficult role which was originally played by Steve Martin. Martin was 43 when he played the role and portrayed a more mature version of the underachieving American hustler than we have with Sullivan. I think a little less swagger would have suited the character more because at his heart, he should be insecure and putting on a front to disguise this.

However, Sullivan’s performance is very enjoyable, his vocals are strong, but what impressed me most was his comic timing, especially in the second act.

Former Hollyoaks star Carley Stenson plays the subject of the pair’s con, Christine Colgate, in a role a million miles away from Steph Cunningham in the Chester based soap. Carley shows her versatility as an actress, but also her amazing vocal ability. I’ve been impressed by former soap stars taking on more challenging roles before, but I was amazed by Stenson’s range and vocal ability. She has surely got a long and successful career in musical theatre ahead of her, if she chooses to pursue it.

The part of Andre Thibault was originally a minor role in the movie, but this has been expanded for the stage version with the character being played by stage veteran and New Faces winner Gary Wilmot.

If you’ve seen Gary on stage before, you know what you will get. Yet again, he put in a flawless performance and having seen him in various roles, his versatility is one of the reasons he has enjoyed his successful career to date. On view this time is his comic timing and facial expressions which got some of the biggest laughs of the evening. Truly the consummate professional and well worth the ticket price alone.

I also have to mention Geraldine Fitzgerald who plays the part time love interest for Andre and Lawrence and puts in a really enjoyable performance, especially alongside Gary Wilmot’s, Andre. The ensemble cast are often the unsung heroes of these productions and yet again, they performed exhausting dance routines, fulfilled various parts and had to endure lightning fast costume changes which they seemed to do effortlessly.

In essence, if you want a great musical comedy experience, you’d be hard pressed to beat Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. A top notch cast, great script, memorable musical numbers and so true belly laughs will no doubt make it one of your favourite stage shows, as it is now one of mine.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels continues its run at Milton Keynes Theatre until 2Saturday, 26th September with performances nightly at 7.30pm and a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday.

You can book tickets for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels online or by calling the ticket office on 0844 871 7652.