BWW Reviews: Theatre Royal's DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is currently wowing audiences at the Theatre Royal in Sydney showcasing a hilarious script, entertaining musical numbers, a talented cast and a simple but brilliant story.

I must start the review by saying one thing: Matt Hetherington, take a bow.

Wow, what a performance! I definitely did not realise just how talented this man is when I watched him on the original season of The Voice. Matt Hetherington steals the show as Freddy, the loveable con man keen to charm and trick his way to owning lots of 'big stuff'. Freddy forms a love-hate bond with fellow con, Lawrence, played by the charismatic Tony Sheldon who agrees to take Freddy under his wing and teach him the ways of the trade.

The show has you laughing from beginning to end as the two con men compete to steal the spotlight both in the show and in reality. The musical is based on the hit 1988 film of the same name starring screen legends Michael Caine and Steve Martin. Unlike many movie to musical translations, this one is certainly not a flop and is definitely worth seeing. No-one will leave the theatre disappointed.

The two lead men were superbly cast and made the roles their own. To their credit, they didn't just try to be Michael Caine or Steve Martin, they delivered it their own way and embraced the nature of their characters even in their smallest movements on stage.

Also worthy of mention is the main female role, Christina Colgate who was played by Amy Lehpamer. As the potential victim of both men's attempts to con her out of $50,000, Lehpamer shone through her powerful vocals and excellent timing and line delivery. In this show, three is definitely not a crowd. When all three were on stage interacting, the show was at its best.

The three main stars were supported notably by John Wood and Anne Wood who played the roles of Andrew Thibault and Muriel Eubanks who form the entertaining sub-plot of the show. Their chemistry and talent meant that even when the main characters weren't on stage, the laughter kept coming.

As a whole, the show is easy viewing and perfect for a good night out when you just want to sit back, relax and laugh a night a way.

Get out to the Theatre Royale in Sydney, this is a definitely a DO NOT MISS!
For tickets and more information see: http://dirtyrottenscoundrels.com.au/

photo credit: Kurt Sneddon