Tom, Dick & Harry
Alexandra Palace (Ally Pally) - what a venue, what a view! The London Premiere of the Kenny Wax and New Vic Co-Production of Tom, Dick and Harry, written by Andrew Pollard, Michael Hugo and Theresa Heskins (who also directs this production) is playing here until Sunday 28th August.
As we enter the theatre, we are immediately transported back to the Second World War era with the soundtrack of evocative 40’s music playing in the background. This theatre has been preserved in a beautiful state of arrested decay and is frozen in time, in fact the last performer to regularly play here was Gracie Fields.
It is clear right from the start as we take our seats that we are never going to be too far from the action as the audience surrounds the square grey stage on all sides, and as we enter, we are warned of the ‘traffic’ in the aisles during the performance, and therefore please try not to leave your seat!
The writers state that in this play, centering around the 1944 mass escape from the German prisoner of war camp Stalag Luft 111, they aim to create a piece of theatre which is vibrant, engaging, entertaining and inspiring. Do they succeed? Yes, they do!
The opening of the play captures us within seconds and leaves us not knowing where to look first. Props are wheeled in swiftly from the many entrances, actors appear almost by our side, and the action moves at a pace. We are treated to a delicious mixture of slapstick comedy, physical theatre, singing, and even some gymnastics, and this is all within the first 30 minutes of the play!
There is a distinct contrast in the second act, heralded by a very quiet low menacing drone of an aircraft which is playing in the background throughout the interval - a sharp contrast with the pre-show soundtrack.
The second act is particularly powerful, and the tunnelling sequence is genius, no spoilers being given here - you will have to go and see for yourself!
The ending is extremely moving and draws parallels to the 1963 film, with a clever acknowledgement to Steve McQueen’s iconic moment in the film.
It is also worth mentioning that throughout the play there is audience involvement which enhances the experience. Without giving too much away, we never feel under pressure to participate, and do take a raffle ticket in the interval - it certainly creates a thought-provoking moment in Act 2.
It is difficult to single out any of the eleven male actors, as they all give strong performances, showing their versatility throughout as actors, singers, dancers and gymnasts. More importantly, however, it’s their teamwork which makes this piece so memorable and impressive.
If there is one criticism it is that Act 1 is extremely wordy with some dialogue difficult to hear at times, possibly because of the variety of accents, this, however, did not seem the case with Act 2.
Overall, this is an inventive, powerful, portrayal of a classic true story which captures and enthralls the audience from start to finish. You really do not need to know the story beforehand. It is playing until Sunday 28th August - with 2pm and 7pm performances on Sundays.
Don’t let this gem of a play escape you - grab your ticket now and tunnel your way to the Ally Pally. Tickets available here: https://www.alexandrapalace.com/whats-on/tom-dick-and-harry/
**** stars
This production was reviewed on the 9th August 2022.
Richard & Julia Green
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