Review: A WINNING HAZARD, Finborough Theatre

The ridiculousness and hypocrisy of the Victorian ruling class is presented by Finborough Theatre in the form of three commediettas gathered under the umbrella A Winning Hazard. The show consists of J.P. Wooler's rediscovered classics A Winning Hazard, Allow Me To Apologise, and Orange Blossoms. Directed by Phillip James Rouse, the triple bill sadly lacks atmosphere and turns into an awkward representation of an outmoded world.

Wooler's weary script hasn't truly aged well and the cast briefly stumble on words and entrances throughout. The playwright builds a universe where everyone hates everyone unless they want to sleep with them or want their money, exasperatingly dragging around blatant misogyny and vague misandry.

The production is kept alive solely by the company's timing, who bounce off each other's energy and manage to keep the farcical portrayals reined in. Max Marcq and Edward Mitchell move the action along with their confrontations and conspiracies, while Jasmine Blackborow especially stands out with her witty characters that don't resemble each other.

The set, partially borrowed from Square Rounds, which is playing at the same time, isn't evocative nor distinctive. In contrast, Martelle Hunt's costumes are surprisingly accurate and detailed, ending in a clash with their surroundings.

Rouse doesn't put social criticism and satire at the core of the work, resulting in a bawdy and frivolous comedy that leans towards distastefulness at times. Men and women are equally objectionable but the outcome of the act is ultimately eye-rollingly plain.

A Winning Hazard runs at Finborough Theatre until 25 September.

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