BWW Reviews: DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham, May 6 2015

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels opened to critical acclaim in the West End last April. It's taken a while to cross the pond having opened on Broadway over a decade ago but now UK-wide audiences are at last able to enjoy this production, having opened at the New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham last night. The entire team of staff need to be commended on creating a wonderful experience before you even stepped in to the auditorium. From French-speaking staff to martinis, they went the extra mile which should be recognised.

With a brilliantly witty script by Jeffrey Lane, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is a hilarious frolic of a show with pace and class from start to finish. The story revolves around two con-artists circulating the French Riviera to find rich women to take advantage of and in doing so, pocketing themselves a lot of money. It is only when a women comes along and turns their heads, that they realise Beaumont Sur Mer isn't big enough for the both of them.

David Yazbek is the man behind the music and lyrics and in context, they are tremendous. Perhaps not entirely memorable but perfect in situ. Jerry Mitchell's direction and choreography is 'on the money' (pardon the pun) and the use of Peter McKintosh's technically detailed set is inspired. The seamlessness of the transitions between scenes is extraordinary. Howard Harrison's lighting captures the setting flawlessly and is used to ultimate effect. The orchestra under the supervision of Ben Van Tienen sound sublime and the varying styles of music encompass the whole auditorium.

Although not a particular advocate of star casting, this company are faultless. The casting has been done expertly and there is nothing I would change. Michael Praed's Lawrence is incredibly debonair and is a very dominant presence onstage. Taking on various personas means he has to fluctuate between accents a fair bit and does so with ease. Freddie is played skilfully by Noel Sullivan; a performer who gets better and better in every successive show he does. The character is full of energy but to work this needs to be focussed and this is where Sullivan excels. The beautiful Carly Stenson plays Christine outstandingly; her endearingly 'chaste' nature and impeccable vocals are a dream. Supporting this wonderful threesome is Mark Benton as Andre. He doesn't have masses to do but the material he does have is genius. The leads are generously supported by the ensemble to make a five-star show.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels plays at the New Alexandra Theatre until 16th May 2015 and tours into next year.