The Western Payers Shady Business Arts Centre, Swindon
Mistaken identities, missing banknotes, elaborate subterfuge, intrigue and innuendo create mayhem in The Western Players' entertaining production of Robin Hawdon's comedy, Shady Business, directed by Julia Edwards at the Arts Centre in Swindon Old Town until March 14.
Tina Ryan designed the set, a London studio apartment with balcony, where shady club owner Big Mack (played with dead-pan assurance by Steve Summers) expects dancer Mandy (Maria Hiscock), to be at his beck and call.
He reckons without Gerry, who is in bed with Mandy as the play opens. Further complications ensue with the arrival of Terry (Tom Freegard) a runner from Luigi's Restaurant. Zoe Roberts, in a commanding performance as Tanya, Mandy's fellow dancer, strives to resolve matters.
Matt Hemmings as Gerry, excels in drag as Laura (Big Laurie), who is targeted lecherously by 5 times divorced Harry the Hammer (the brilliant Adrian Peace.) John Fisher plays the stoical (Bull)Dozer, Big Mack's henchman.
Who is who and what are they up to? Maria Hiscock won a round of applause for her convoluted clarification that fuelled the confusion.
Good lighting and jaunty incidental music enhance this hilarious production.
The plot's astonishing climax sets a completely new perspective.
Caption Tom Freegard, Maria Hiscock and Zoe Roberts
Stella Taylor
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