Lusty revival has two waggy stars: QUENTIN LETTS reviews The Fantastic Follies Of Mrs Rich

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Michael Simkins is on form as Mrs Rich’s brother-in-law. Clear-spoken Daisy Badger shows poise as some younger ‘quality’ who falls for the penniless Clerimont.

Amanda Hadingue, as the older Clerimont’s kennel-woman, is a ringer for Princess Anne. Sadie Shimmin plays a thirsty landlady.

Other cast members are less persuasive.

Neither Solomon Israel nor Tam Williams is sexy enough as the male love interests — director Davies could make the whole show more deliciously sinful — and poor Leo Wringer is miscast as the older Clerimont.

There is no way he is a honking Hooray of the sort that has infested the muddier reaches of England’s shires for centuries. He is too cool, too mature, not chinless or daft or funny enough.

Was Mr Wringer cast because he is black? If so, the RSC’s clunking approach to politically correct casting has again weakened its stage product.

I suppose its managers are under pressure from the Arts Council to tick inclusiveness boxes, but at some point they are going to have to decide if their core business is drama or social engineering.

I prefer the Swan to the main theatre next door, but directors need to beware blocking the view of audience members in the stalls.

However, thanks to Lossie and Theia and Miss Stanton and Mr Simkins, the show does eventually reach a satisfying comedy simmer and you will trundle homewards glad to have seen a rare revival.

645ca714ef964ee2890cc333550e611c Lusty revival has two waggy stars: QUENTIN LETTS reviews The Fantastic Follies Of Mrs Rich

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