The Medicine Hat Musical Theatre is putting on a production of the PG 13 play, Up Pompeii, starting Feb. 17 and 18.-- SUBMITTED PHOTO
jtubb@medicinehatnews.com@ReporterTubb
A night of laughter and clever humour is what theatre fans can expect from Up Pompeii, according to directer Kate Leeming.
She says Up Pompeii brings British comedy that goes beyond crudeness or swearing and is accentuated by the cast’s chemistry and abilities.
“It’s very, very funny, the script itself is funny but the actors have just taken it beyond that,” Leeming said. “The physical comedy, the facial expressions and the way that they work so well together, some of these cast members are just ingenious in their comedic timing, you can’t teach that, it’s inherent. You either have it or you don’t, and these guys have it and it’s just been such a joy.”
Up Pompeii, which opens Feb. 17 and 18 at the Musical Theatre, is based off a British movie which was later made into a TV comedy series that ran in 1969 and 1970.
The play follows the antics of Ludicrus Sextus, a pompous Roman senator determined to stamp out any and all instances of sexual impropriety in society. However, his efforts are constantly thwarted by a cast of eccentric (yet strangely) lovable characters, including his own family members and a host of mischievous slaves.
Leeming, who has been doing theatre in Medicine Hat since 1996 and has directed four other plays, is making her directorial debut at the Musical Theatre. She says lead actor Nick Kush, who plays Lurcio – the main role and narrator – has quickly embraced the role.
“He came very highly recommended by several people as being very good, a team player,” Leeming said. “He probably has over 500 lines, he carries the show and he’s never not on stage, and he has memorized the whole thing, almost word perfect. We started the beginning of December, he has been quite something and he’s amazing.”
Leeming says her interest in British comedy comes from her dad Peter who introduced her to Pompeii and other British comedies like Dad’s Army, Monty Python and more. Her dad is so interested he has taken a role in Up Pompeii and plays the part of the bumbling sidekick to Captain Treacherous.
“He does it very, very well, he’s actually he’s in his 80s, and the fact that he can still do this is quite remarkable,” Leeming said. “He’s also been an invaluable part of our crew as well because he’s been giving ideas on some of the British slang that we might not necessarily recognize, or delivery points.”
Leeming is excited for the production, which is rated PG 13 only because of innuendoes and “tongue-in-cheek” references. She urges anyone interested in a lot of laughs to pick up a ticket and watch their local talent on display. They are also partnering with Zeffirelli’s Cucina, which is taking dinner reservations for those with tickets.
“It would be a great night out for a Valentine’s Day gift,” Leeming says.
Shows run Feb. 17, 18, 23-25 and Mar. 1-4, with all shows beginning at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on MHMT’s website.
