The Information On: `A Funny Thing Happened...'

What Is It?

Ian Talbot's big-hearted revival of Stephen Sondheim's daft but deft Roman scandals musical which inspired Up Pompeii! Ooh er missus...

Who's In It?

Roy Hudd as Pseudolus, resplendent in a colourful smock, injects the requisite farcicality into a role, whose previous incumbents include Zero Mostel and Frankie Howerd. Peter Gallagher plays Miles Gloriosus.

What They Say About It

"It must be admitted that there will be crisper, more detailed stagings of A Funny Thing..., but Ian Talbot directs with a winning sense of heart. He also sets up a terrific running gag that allows the four chorus boys to steal the show, doubling as the inept soldiers and the squealing gaggle of eunuchs who bring the house down with their every reappearance." David Benedict, The Independent.

"Politically correct? Absolutely not. Theatrically enjoyable? Absolutely yes... It's a show that in overlaying Plautine farce with American burlesque has strong claims, as this production confirms, to be the funniest musical ever written," Michael Billington, The Guardian.

Where You Can See It

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, London NW1 (0171- 486 2431) in rep to 31 Aug

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