Funny Money

Reporter: Colin Meredith
Date online: 12/06/2008

Barbara Fielden directed Ray Cooney’s masterpiece ‘Funny Money’ creating a laugh-a-minute show. If you are unfamiliar with the story it features Henry, a run of the mill office worker, who mistakenly picks up a briefcase containing £735,000 instead of his own briefcase containing a cheese sandwich. He tries to persuade wife Jean that she should shun friends Vic and Betty for a first class flight to Barcelona.

Andy McKay took on the role of Henry Perkins and was excellent as he mastered the challenge of trying to remember everyone’s supposed names. His energy was integral to the pace of the production. Judith Mansfield played his wife Jean and expertly created the steady stupor into drunkenness as the mayhem unfolded. Throughout the farce many characters arrive, including an irate taxi driver, a police officer and a corrupt detective. Every character is introduced to the arriving guests as someone other than they really are which heightens the comedy. Tim Keiley has the confused and somewhat simple Vic down to a tee and Joanne Frost was convincing as his wife Betty, getting many of the laughs. Keith Taylor as the taxi driver was well cast as his frustration and confusion increased.

Peter Dignam, as Davenport the corrupt Detective, infuriates the audience as he swindles more and more money from Henry, whilst Davis Stopford as Slater the police officer becomes as bemused as everyone else. The phone rings constantly and a Dutchman only pronouncing "Brerfcurse" throughout his calls convinces everyone he is the owner of the missing briefcase. Bill gives the caller the exact address and the ensuing panic comes to a head when Ian Mansfield appears on set as the Dutchman armed with a gun. When all seems lost, including the money, Bill the taxi driver comes to the rescue having swapped the money over. Once again, the behind the scenes team are to be complimented for providing a detailed and modern looking set.

This evening of laughter was dedicated to the memory of society member Amy Taylor who sadly died recently at the tender age of 38 - it proved to be a fitting tribute.

Funny Money
St Ann’s Players
February 2008