The New Vic Theatre – The Grand Babylon Hotel

The Grand Babylon hotel – The New Vic

Adapted by Deborah McAndrew from Arnold Bennetts original script

Directed by Conrad Nelson with photographs courtesy of Andrew Billington

Here is a summary of the performance which has gone out on air today ….

Based on a simple story line – Nella Racksole wants steak and Bass Beer for her birthday treat, but because these are not on the menu of the Grand Babylon Hotel – Nella’s Millionaire father gets around the problem by buying the chef… the kitchen… and indeed the entire Grand Babylon Hotel.  Of course, as you would expect, things are not as they seem and a thrilling storyline ensues with glamour, slapstick, intrigue, love, kidnapping, mad chases, identity changes and so much more … but this is all secondary to the singing, the dance routines and the fantastic comedic performances from a wonderful cast.

There was so much going on that the plot became irrelevant.  It is a very funny play with much of the humour reminiscent of comedy double acts like Cannon and Ball, Morecambe and Wise and the like.  The play started as it ended with a very funny dance routine – including two men in dresses (but with no attempt to look like a female) – and we have all seen the sketch .. a man and woman waltzing around, another man cuts in but ends up dancing with the man and not the woman … very funny, all expertly executed.

It was a cast of 5 brilliant actors playing around 14 different characters – how they changed costumes and appearance so quickly I do not know – well done to the wardrobe department!  The costumes were excellent as always with the lovely Alice Pryor looking amazing as Millionaire’s daughter, Nella Racksole.

We all know Michael Hugo – he has appeared in so many New Vic productions and whenever Michael’s name is on the programme you know that you are in for a great evening, usually with a laugh or two.  However, there was also another comedy genius in this production by the name of Thomas Cotran.  The way he threw himself into the dancing and the singing was exceptional.  His portrayal of Rocco the chef was hilarious, one of the funniest things I have seen in a long time.  Adrian Pang was also very convincing in the part of Millionaire Theodore Racksole, also adding many moments of comedy.

There was great on-stage chemistry between the actors, Michael Hugo, Thomas Cotran, Adrian Pang, Shelley Atkinson and Alice Pryor – three of them playing multiple characters in a fast moving play which moved seamlessy from laugh to laugh.  There was audience participation in abundance which is always amusing – last night ‘Sharon’ was called on stage to steer a boat and found herself included in the complete scene.

The off-stage team worked wonders as usual, every inch of the play is done to perfection because of their creativity and attention to detail – music, sound, lighting, costume, choreography and of course casting – all notable, all wonderful.

The New Vic describe the play as ‘a riotous evening out’ and it certainly is! A description substantiated by a standing ovation from a very large, very appreciative audience who clapped and cheered, and no doubt smiled all the way home!

At the New Vic Theatre until 4th October … have a look at the New Vic website …  www.newvictheatre.org.uk … for more information and to book tickets … but don’t miss it!!

A definite FIVE STAR from The Hitmix for being one of the most amusing plays I have seen in a long time – not jokes or gags …  just great actors squeezing out every morsel of hilarity from the wonderful parts written for them!

Here is an interview a few weeks ago with Hitmix’s Jane and Alice Pryor, Shelley Atkinson and Thomas Cotran