It reunites the same team behind Round the Horne… Revisited, also set in a radio studio, that also played the Leicester Square Theatre (in its previous incarnation as The Venue) in 2004: the same two writers, Johnie Mortimer and Brian Cooke; the same director, Michael Kingsbury; and the same actors, Robin Sebastian, reprising the role of Kenneth Williams that he previously won huge acclaim for, as well as Nigel Harrison, Emma Atkins and Charles Armstrong. They are joined by Keith Wickham and understudy Lucy Sullivan.
A revue featuring sketches, parodies and songs, Stop Messing About celebrates the talents of Kenneth Williams (Sebastian), his Carry On co-star Joan Sims (Atkins), his long-time colleague and friend Hugh Paddick (Harrison), and a BBC announcer Douglas Smith (Armstrong), who "plays all the parts nobody else wants." According to press materials, the show introduces audiences to Sir Inigo Parchmutter, "known as the 'Hanging Judge' for reasons we won't go into, who feels that Legal Aid is a soft drink for Lawyers"; Joan Sims portrays a very, very short-sighted lady trying to pass her driving test in a fog of uncertainty; The Kingston, Surbiton, Wimbledon and District Line Trio perform "The Ballad of Baldy O'Toole" complete with gestures; and there's the London to Brighton Ballroom Dancing Rally, avoiding the patch of Brylcreem on the B327.
The show is written by Johnnie Mortimer and Brian Cooke, and adapted for the stage by Cooke. Mortimer and Cooke wrote many television situation comedies and sketch shows, including "Man Abut The House," "Father Dear Father," "George and Mildred" and "Robin's Nest." Together they wrote shows and series for such comedy legends as Bernard Cribbins, Marty Feldman, Frankie Howerd, Bruce Forsyth, Ronnie Barker and Tommy Cooper. On his own Cooke wrote series for Leonard Rossiter, and Paul Nicholas and Mortimer wrote a long-running series called "Never The Twain" for Donald Sinden and Windsor Davies.
The director and producer Michael Kingsbury's recent stage work includes Round The Horne….Revisited (which ran in the West End for 14 months, completed three tours and was chosen for the Royal Variety Command Performance), Ying Tong (The Ambassadors Theatre) and This Other Eden (Soho Theatre).
To book tickets contact the box office at 0844 847 2475 or visit www.stopmessingabout.com.
