Classic tale is an enjoyable romp

THE Ladykillers is following in huge footsteps writes Lynn Hughes.

The 1950s iconic black comedy film casts a long shadow over the play now showing at London’s Gielgud Theatre.

But although there is a knowing tip towards its predecessor, Graham Lineham’s script allows the current crop of nefarious robbers to step into their own limelight.

The tale is a simple one of good versus bad. Little old lady Mrs Wilberforce takes in a lodger who is not what he seems. Pretty soon his band of robbers are planning a heist while pretending to play classical music.

The robbery is a success, but as the thieves are preparing to make off with their ill gotten gains, the cello case with the loot in is accidently opened in front of Mrs Wilberforce who realises what they have done and demands they go to the police.

It’s here the play shifts from farce to something potentially a lot darker. The men may talk tough but faced with bumping off their sweet old landlady they turn on themselves, with each of them meeting a grisly death. The only winner is Mrs Wilberforce, who tries to hand the money in but is told not to bother the police.

The play is more slapstick than the film, partly due to the physical presence of Peter Capaldi as the robbery mastermind Professor Marcus. James Fleet reprises his usual role of bumbling idiot as Major Courtney and Stephen Wright is engaging as the baby of the band, Harry Robinson. Under-utilised though is Ben Miller, whose failure to make his character sufficiently sinister, makes his turnaround in baulking at killing Mrs Wilberforce less dramatic.

Marcia Warren makes a wonderfully dotty Mrs Wilberforce, with just the right confusion and steel when needed.

The sets are imaginative and witty without detracting from the action.

Altogether it adds up to a thoroughly enjoyable escapist night out.