Amazing how time flies. Last time I posted I was promoting the show. Now it’s done, but the memory lives on. I thought the production went well, even better than last time. The script was tighter, which helped cast, director and audience. We got three reviews, all good, and I shall discuss them one by one.
First, this one, by Everything Theatre.
'Hansler makes Lawford seem increasingly sympathetic even if his actions have at times been misguided, and it’s generally a superb performance... there’s a great deal to admire about the play. Hansler captures Lawford’s charm and wry sense of humour, and while the occasional line is stumbled over, it’s a performance that captivated for the entire hour. The script is sharp, there’s some amusing audio only cameos, and its bursting with intriguing anecdotes'.
I hate to quibble. But let’s face it, if I can’t, no one else will. The line about there being no credible source for his sexual peccadilloes… well, does an ex- girlfriend count? And as for my claiming Peter Lawford wasn’t in Ocean’s 11. Well, I can see where Alex Finch got this from, namely this:
“I was up for two more Rat Pack pictures. I got replaced by Bing Crosby. Ocean’s 11? That was my idea. At least I met a guy on the beach who pitched it to me, and I pitched to Frank, and it made the money for all of us. I kept everyone afloat’.So I can see the ambiguity, but yes, for the record, Peter Lawford was in Ocean’s 11. I’ve seen it.
Anyway, it’s a nice review, really, and if we ever do the play again I shall perhaps clarify this.
Do it again? Of course we’ll do it again. Having got this far, we’re not just going to leave it to history.
