Cash on Delivery is worth the dosh
Jenness Mitchell • Published 16 Mar 2011 09:30
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WITH a dash of cross-dressing, fraud and mistaken identity, the Alman Theatre's comical production of Michael Cooney's Cash On Delivery makes for a thoroughly charming watch.
As the curtain opens the audience are instantly thrown into the web of deceit spun by Eric Swan (Denzil Wright). Unbeknown to his wife Linda (Torya Winters), on being made redundant for the past two years Eric has defrauded the DSS by creating a never-ending list of lodgers with various ailments and injuries to claim more benefit.
Despite intending to start afresh, Eric has to turn to live-in boarder Norman Bassett (Hamish Hutchinson) when DSS investigator Mr Jenkins (Alan Wilson) comes knocking.
Whilst Norman grudgingly goes along with the charade pretending to be the son of his dead self - don't ask - Eric needs someone else to impersonate him as he is already feigning as another tenant.
Throw in an unconscious uncle (Gerry Docherty), secret cross-dressing doctor (George Marcinkiewicz), undertaker (Alan Boyd) and family grievance worker (Clare Mcharg), the chances of Eric making it through the day unscathed become slim to none.
Ludicrously ridiculous, Cash On Delivery is a highly enjoyable romp.
One scene that is utterly fabulous involves Eric and DSS manager Ms Cowper (Moira Walker).
Without ruining the reason why, let's just say Eric believes Ms Cowper to be Norman in drag. Cue mouth-opening boob wiggling and motor-boating.
In the lead role it would be easy for every tax-paying member of the audience to hate Eric Swan for his misuse of the benefits system, but Denzil Wright brings sympathy and understanding to the character that in turn will have everyone rooting for him to get away with it.
As a best friend, Hamish Hutchinson delights with his easy and lackadaisical persona. The constant voice of reason, Hamish's Norman will gain full audience approval for questioning yet helping Denzil's Eric at the same time.
And as always, Gerry Docherty and George Marcinkiewicz's over-the-top brilliance will garner laughs as Uncle George and Doctor Chapman respectively. In other roles, Torya Winters put in a fine performance with solid support from Alan Wilson, Clare McHarg, Moira Walker, Alan Boyd and Abbi Russell.
As with every other Alman production, the set, sounds and lights never fail to impress. Director Ian Williams has created a neat little play that entertains from beginning to end.
Cash On Delivery runs from 15-19 March and 22-26 March. All performances start at 7.30pm, except Saturday 19 matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets £8. Call 07929 561 311 to book.
This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 16 Mar 11
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