Farcicals, a production comprising two loosely connected one-act farces, is one of the many plays by the prolific Olivier and Tony Award-winning British playwright, Sir Alan Ayckbourn.

Chloe With Love and The Kidderminster Affair feature the same cast of characters: two couples who are close friends as well as neighbours. Directed by Rachel Galea, MADC's production of Farcicals stars Kate de Cesare as Lottie, who is in a troubled marriage to Teddy, a womaniser played by Aldo Zammit. Kim Woods plays Penny, Lottie's close friend, while Gordon Watson is Reggie, Penny's submissive husband.

In Chloe With Love, Penny and Reggie try to help their friends save their marriage - until the arrival of bombshell Chloe threatens to derail their plans. The Kidderminster Affair follows the same characters, as the incorrigible Teddy continues his affair with his best friend's wife.

"Farcicals is not only fast-paced in terms of the tennis match of lines, but it's also a farce, which implies physical play," says Watson. "While there are the moments of character interplay and exposition, there is some rough and tumble that should make the audience gasp."

Woods recalls a recent rehearsal, where one such scene made the actors stop in their tracks. "We were rehearsing using the actual props for the first time, and my co-star and I had to whack another actor with a bowl. The first time we tried it out, we were so shocked by the sound the bowl made that we all froze! But all was well, and we soon burst into laughter," she shares.

Laughter will certainly be plentiful during the six performances of Farcicals - and although comedy may outwardly appear less demanding than more serious plays, performers must still prepare just as thoroughly to bring their characters to life. "I often talk to myself out loud while in character, making sure I use the correct accent, diction and intonation," explains de Cesare. "Then, with my character, there is also the transition from depressed to drunk to confused, which must feel genuine. Being a farce, body movement and facial expressions are slightly exaggerated, so finding the right balance and correct timing is another important thing to keep in mind."

As with any live performance, getting it right after months of preparation can also be down to luck, but part of the thrill of live theatre is its unpredictability, shares Watson. "I like that no two nights are the same and that the outcome is unpredictable. You get one chance to deliver a line and an action, and it all boils down to the audience's live reaction."

This production promises to elicit hearty laughter and audience members may well get the urge to intervene in the characters' antics. Zammit, for one, wouldn't mind having a few words with ladies' man, Teddy: "I'd tell him to keep his snake in its cage, before it bites him or someone else! I'd also strongly recommend he goes for an eye test," he smiles.

As for de Cesare, she feels that her character Lottie could do with a personality makeover. "She could possibly start by employing a life coach, as her choice of friends and husband are certainly questionable!" she adds.

Woods, meanwhile, looks forward to the catharsis of laughter, shared among both the cast and audiences. "After a long week, the best remedy is to come and see this hilariously silly play full of slapstick, surprises and quirkiness," she says. "It's been a blast to play Penny and to work with such a fantastic team, and I can't wait to make our audiences laugh along with us!"

MADC's production of Alan Ayckbourn's Farcicals will perform at the MADC Playhouse, Santa Venera, on 12, 13, 14 and 19, 20, 21 April, with all performances at 7.30pm. This production is suitable for audiences aged 14 and over. This amateur production of Farcicals is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd on behalf of Samuel French Ltd, www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

 

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