THEATRE REVIEW: Black Swan Theatre Company’s Laughter On The 23rd Floor, by Neil Simon

Shane | 10 September 2014 | Reply

THEATRE REVIEW: Black Swan Theatre Company’s Laughter On The 23rd Floor, by Neil Simon
Directed by Kate Cherry
Starring Peter Rowsthorn, Humphrey Bower, Stuart Halusz, Damon Lockwood, Jo Morris, Ben Mortley, Igor Sas, Lara Schwerdt and James Sweeny
Reviewed by Shane Pinnegar
9/10

Gags fly at rapid fire as a group of comedy writers gather in New York to write Max Price’s 90 minute-long television sketch show in the Black Swan Theatre Company’s interpretation of Neil Simon’s 1993 play.

Based on Simon’s time as a junior writer working on Sid Caesar’s comedy programme in the 1950s alongside Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner and others, it really is a laugh-a-minute couple of hours.

Max isn’t well, you see: NBC want to cut the show to an hour, the tranquilisers he’s been taking have been making him paranoid and the stigma of McCarthyism hangs like a dark shadow over everyone in the TV and movie world.

Rowsthorn follows the likes of Gene Wilder in shining as the calamitous, manic, wall-punching Price, delivering a frenzied performance that brilliantly captures the tightrope balance of slapstick and pathos.

Photo by Gary Marsh Photography

As mentioned, jokes abound – political jokes, satirical gags, Dad jokes, hilarious insults, politically incorrect jibes, physical comedy – all played out on a simple yet extremely effective set of the 23rd floor writers office, with the three dimensional New York skyline outside the window reflecting night and day, sun and snow, from scene to scene. The 1950s suits, straight out of Mad Men, are a similar treat, with both sets and costumes handled with panache by Lauren Ross.

The entire cast exercise exquisite comedic timing as the zingers fly continuously, knowing when to merge into the background and when to step forward and take the spotlight for a gag or a touching moment. The title is an apt warning: prepare to laugh.

Laughter On The 23rd Floor runs at the Western Australian State Theatre Centre until 21 August 2014