It’s 1964 and Harold Wilson has just won the election, ushering in an age of modernisation on a mildly enthusiastic public. The old times are over. So what will happen to this black and white minstrel show? At first, like all non-racists, I of course did not care. But it’s a testament to the Alan Bennett-esque script that I slowly invested in the characters. The show’s evident demise is set against plenty of timely social themes: a black stage-hand helps the boys black up, an argument breaks out about the merits of The Beatles against music hall traditionalism, and there is prejudice against Australian and gay minstrels in the troupe. A pleasant, if occasionally dragging way to spend an afternoon.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 3 – 28 Aug (not 15), 1.00pm (2.45pm), £8.00 – £11.00, fpp244.
tw rating 3/5
[jh]
Sections: by James Hampson - ED2011 Theatre Reviews - tw rating 3/5 | Tags: Gilded Balloon, The Landor Theatre
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