Review: Soulpepper's THE PLAY'S THE THING is Charmingly Clever

The latest revival of THE PLAY'S THE THING is another take at the Soulpepper favourite. Based on P.G. Wodehouse's adaptation of the 1926 classic, The Play at the Castle, and directed by László Marton who also took a stab at this production in both 1999 and 2003, you are sure in for a treat.

The story revolves around Albert (Gordon Hecht), a young composer of a new operetta and his, playwright Sandor (Diego Matatoros). When Albert unexpectedly arrives at a castle to see his fiancée, Ilona (Raquel Duffy) he heartbreakingly overhears her making love to another man, Almady (C. David Johnson).

The plot takes form as Sandor beings to rewrite reality in order to save Albert from heartbreak, and thus his operetta. By mischievously plotting, Sandor tries to make it seem that this incident was dialogue in his play and begins to prep his 'actors' to take the stage - but will Albert fall for it?

While the production starts off slow and unsure, as the plot develops, the audience is thrown into Albert's brilliant mind and everything beings to make sense. The first half of the play runs a bit long, but sets every part up for the hilarious finale.

This 'play-within-a-play' technique will leave you laughing out loud as the lines between was is real and what is mere 'acting' begin to blur. The clever use of this technique leads you down twists and turns. The play is at it's best once the audience understands this technique and can appreciate how clever it is.

The comedic timing, notably between Diego Matatoros, and Oliver Dennis who plays Dwornitschek, Sandor's footman, brings the show to life. Their chemistry and comedic performance carried the first act.

The outstanding performances, clever plot, and near perfect comedic timing and pacing, makes one thing clear: Soulpepper has a new (old) hit!