A review of 'No Sex Please, We’re British' which went on boards last weekend

 

Trouble walked right in to the Hunter home and came to stay as Peter Hunter, the Manager of a sub branch of the National United Bank was made to deal with his mother, the District Manager of his bank, a bank inspector and two Scandinavian escorts – all under the same roof!

It was indeed a night of hitches! An order for Scandinavian glassware became photographs Brian Runnicles took on camp and later wedding presents for the newlyweds in order to conceal a deluge of explicit content. The packages increased in number and size each time plummeting the newlyweds and Runnicles in deeper trouble every time leaving little room for escape.

The play spun around a uniform stage setting that was evidently British, with Britain’s flag positioned above the main door and a picture of the Queen on the wall. The use of standard, consistent lighting served to maintain the focus of the audience on each actor, immersing them in the mounting complexities on stage. The audience was relatively responsive and as observed, at times included those who absorbed the more subtle humour between the lines and those who didn’t.

The complexities that evolved owing to the packages from the Scandinavian Export Company were made almost a firsthand experience by Nadun Dissanayake, who stole the show enacting Brian Runnicles, the Chief Cashier at a sub branch of the National United Bank. Runnicles, who was handpicked by Peter Hunter to receive the packages from the mailman and then dispose of the content, was ultimately the receiver and the hauler of trouble.

The take of the audience on Runnicles was similar to that of Eleanor, Peter’s mother who at one point says, “You’re quite the most idiotic boy I’ve ever met!”, as he foolishly disposes content leaving traces of evidence. His entrance onto stage in itself drew many laughs from the audience. The pace of the farce was set by Runnicles and was kept consistent, keeping the audience on pins.

The British accent most actors used was not consistent at times but didn’t dampen the action on stage due to the pace of the play.  The presence of the old couple – Leslie Bromhead and Eleanor Hunter played by Abbasali Rozais and Imani Perera respectively, was most opportune at times as they entered into chaos hand in hand which added effect to the play; they were meant to be a meddlesome people. The opening and closing of doors and the moving of packages at times distracted the audience but it did add to the chaotic atmosphere of the play.

 

Text by Sapthika Jacob

 

 

COMMENTS

“It was ok. I liked Frances. I have watched Jith’s plays before and I did enjoy it overall.”
Banu

“Wonderful! Runnicles was very good – fabulous. Jith does a very good job with English plays. Wonderful man.”
Harshini

“It did have a sense of British humour. Loved Brian Runnicles!”
Sharmila and Akram

“Expected it to be more humourous. I liked Frances. The set and costumes were good.” Adrian and Viji

“It was good. Anuruddha’s always one of the better people. He hasn’t lost his satire. It’s good to see him come back.” Eraj

“Runnicles was really good! Expected a little more… But overall the acting is very good.” - Dinoo