Funny Money at The Pavilion Theatre Review by: Cynthia Ning
We felt the autumn chill as we excitedly arrived at The Pavilion Theatre to see the 90’s British farce, Funny Money, hoping for an evening of laughter.
The set design was simply divine, and no expense was spared. Each room was divided by an elevated step and multiple doors, making the stage look spacious. A staircase was meticulously placed to the stage left, creating the illusion of a two-story house. The additional touches of the brick wall at the front entrance and tiles leading into the kitchen sold it for me.
We were transported back in time to the intimate homely life of the Perkin’s residence which was introduced with brazenly loud music. The colour palate and bold patterns of the costumes suited each of the characters' personalities, fitting in the 90s decade. Jean Perkins (Vanessa Henderson) gives us our first unexpected laugh as she sets the scene busily setting up her home for an important date, fussing with tableware and checking the time, striding purposefully with the music.
It felt like being on the live set of Everybody Loves Raymond where the sofa was the centre point of where the family drama ensues, and everyone is getting in on a bit of the action. Secrets and desire build as the stakes get higher and each scenario gets loonier with push and pull from the temptation money can bring.
Who wouldn’t be changed with a large sum of cash? Henry Perkins (Ben Freeman) is no exception and plays into the kooky behaviour, reaching for his dial phone to book a cab and plane tickets in a hurry with the promise of a new life on the horizon. Billie (Deb Lewis) was a formidable force as the witty and ever-reliable cab driver who proves her worth in gold at the very end.
Detective Sergeant Davenport (Benjamin Wheeler) was charming, calm and meticulous when it came to counting money. The chemistry between Betty Johnson (Leigh Scanlon) and her male counterparts was heated and saucy. While poor Vic Johnson (Stephen Snars) either found himself in the middle of an argument or awkward situation in which he would scoff but succumb willingly when a generous offer for his troubles was made.
The English accents were characteristically played out and the slight drops were quickly picked up and forgiven from the excellent delivery of lines and rhythmic pacing. The cheeky adult humour was well received and the running gag with the blanket did not get old, just more absurd and intimate as the audience was in on it.
The cast members delivered their lines promptly, maintaining a naturally driven tempo that hooked the audience for more as the jokes kept rolling in. The unusual and quirky relationship dynamics gave each character memorable moments, coming together in this bizarre family affair.
The near indestructible and very patient detective Slater (Daisy Alexis) gives a playful performance. She is a confident actor who has refined her acting ability since her last appearance in – Picasso at the Lapin Agile. We also warmly welcome back Constance Halstead who makes a short but dramatic entrance as the annoyed yet determined Passer-by, repeating the iconic line ‘Brufcase’.
Please note that there are loud gunshot effects that are used in the scene. The house décor came into play by bouncing off the wall or ‘break’ to identify where the bullet landed which was absolutely delightful. Bravo to Julian Floriano and to the sound and set team who have gone through a tremendous amount of effort in making this thoroughly entertaining production.
One of the best performances I have seen to date, this is a guaranteed barrel of laughs with an outstanding cast – What more could you ask for?
This is a must-see for any theatregoer.
Images supplied.
