Passport to world of fun and laughs
Reviewed by Lance Dodd - The Marlborough Express
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Secrets Every Smart Traveller Should Know. Presented by Marlborough Repertory and directed by Duncan Whiting. Boathouse Theatre, until November 28
If there was a book titled Secrets Every Smart Theatrical Director Should Know, it would probably include the following advice:
Find a production that's incredibly funny.
Assemble a talented cast and crew.
Modify some bits of the show to make it more topical and relevant to your audience.
Rehearse your cast until the show is slick, polished and ready to thoroughly entertain an audience.
Director Duncan Whiting has obviously read the above book (or a similar one) because all the ingredients were in place last night for an evening of fun and laughter of the highest calibre.
Secrets Every Smart Traveller Should Know is a collection of songs and sketches from an assortment of composers, lyricists and sketch writers, all with a travel theme.
The travel theme is taken even further with the front-of-house messages presented as in-flight announcements.
The songs lampoon situations that almost any real traveller will have come across during their journeys.
Lost luggage, customs searches, car rental, tour guides and the nagging doubt that you have forgotten to pack something are all given the treatment in the show.
The four main cast members work well together, whether performing as a group, as duos or individually. Brian McNamara, Denise Moran, Mieke Hilhorst and Kevin Dunphy portray several characters during the course of the show and each performer meets the challenges of the show admirably.
Moran and Hilhorst have lovely voices, which are heard to good effect as they sing a variety of styles.
One of the highlights of act one was Hilhorst's French chanteuse singing a beautiful ballad, with Moran's translation showing that even though the French words may sound good, their meaning isn't.
The cheeky ending to Naked in Pittsburgh had the audience chuckling, as did the Private Wives duet between Dunphy and Hilhorst, which has a bit of a twist in the tail.
McNamara's attempts to book a trip on the telephone make for a good running gag throughout the show.
Cameo appearances by Terence Burtenshaw were a treat too, particularly the Paradise Found number.
Musical director Alison French does a great job accompanying the cast on the keyboards, with her playing never overpowering the performers.
The harpsichord sound during Salzburg was a nice touch.
Secrets Every Smart Traveller Should Know is the perfect tonic for anyone looking for a good night out – and some good travel tips!
Book your tickets, pack your bags and get down to the Boathouse Theatre for a fun-filled journey of music and laughter.
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