The Mill at Sonning is well known for putting on a farce, delivered to maximise the belly laughs of the audience. And while Mill favourite Ray Cooney is synonymous with such genre it is his son Michael who is following in his footsteps this time.
The Mill’s current offering, Cash on Delivery is a fast-paced, whirlwind of a play that should have all the ingredients for hilarity. Eric Swan (aided by his Uncle George and unbeknown to his wife, Linda) has swindled thousands of pounds through fraudulent DSS claims. When lodger Norman Bassett opens the door to Mr Jenkins, the DSS Inspector, deceptive mayhem follows.
Chaos erupts as mistaken identities, frantic cover-ups, and rapid-fire misunderstandings spiral out of control. With doors slamming, secrets spilling, and an endless parade of outrageous characters, no one is safe from the madness.
Mill favourite Steven Pinder (known for his role as Max Farnham in Brookside) plays Eric Swan with energy and charisma though the rapid-fire dialogue tended to get a little lost at times. On stage for pretty much the entire play and with the lion’s share of the dialogue, it is a wonder he didn’t forget who he was talking about. Yet despite having a twinkle in his eye and having to stifle his own laughter at times, the frenetic nature of the play left me feeling somewhat exhausted.
James Bradshaw as Norman Bassett was the perfect foil to Pinder’s Swan as he gets unwittingly drawn into the deception and between them, they kept the energy up and the laughs going.
However, for me, the play reveals its age too much with two-dimensional characters and innuendo that is less accepted these days. With a storyline alluding to cross-dressing the play was reminiscent of 1970s humour which is much less accepted today. The remaining cast do their best with a play that reminded me of a cross between Basil Fawlty and the Carry On films.
However, it suited my partner’s sense of humour and much of the audience seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it, judging by the laughter.
As usual with this intimate Sonning venue, the set is beautiful, transforming the stage to the Swan’s sitting room.
The next offering from The Mill is Jack & Sarah, a play based on the much-loved 1995 film starring Richard E. Grant and Dame Judi Dench. It is a heartwarming, witty, and unexpected romantic comedy about finding love, family, and second chances in the most unlikely places. Running from April 23rd to June 13, to book tickets call (0118) 969 8000 or visit www.millatsonning.com
