Review by Paul Towers, 21/4/26
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels – The Musical. Music
& lyrics by David Yazbek, book by Jeffrey Lane
Directed by Steve Elliott
Produced by Leicester Operatic Players
At The Little Theatre til Saturday 25 April
2026
On the sun-soaked French Riviera two very
different con men end up on the same patch conning idle rich women out of their
cash and valuables. They have very different approaches and can’t decide who
gets to work the coast alone.
Suave and sophisticated Lawrence (Chris Hiam)
favours the long game, playing the ladies with charm and wit. Freddie (Freddy
Benson) is loud, scruffy and opportunist, content with a few dollars here and a
few dollars there. In order to decide who gets to work the lucrative coast they
come up with a bet. Whoever can con $50,000 out of American Soap Queen
Christine (Lizzie Bywater-Florence) wins. Lawrence’s right-hand man Andre (Allan
Smith) gets distracted by man-hungry socialite Muriel (Alexandra Elliott) and
so takes his eye off the ball. Along the way there are some hilarious side
characters including chavvy Jolene (Rachel Wheeler).
Lawrence and Freddie keep coming up with very
more audacious ways to relieve the vacuous women of their riches as they work
their way towards their ultimate target.
Special mention must go to Freddy Benson’s
extraordinary physical comedy skills. His body at times seems to be made of
rubber.
The set by Steve Elliott resembles an Art
Deco promenade and the full orchestra of 20 led by Gareth Wynne give the
production a full depth from beneath the stage.
Choreographer Demi Leigh Essex ensures that
the principles and ensemble make full use of the stage.
This musical caper will brighten up even the
gloomiest of days with songs, dances and huge dollops of comedy. Well worth a
trip to the Riviera until Saturday 25th April
Pics: Poyner & Mee Photography
https://thelittletheatre.co.uk/
https://ptheatre.blogspot.com/
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