REVIEW: Four Women And A Funeral
Widow and mistress meet by the coffin at Jewish funeral
What you might wonder, could be more dignified than a funeral?
Well, pretty much anything, if you were at the performance of Four Women and a Funeral, the fun-filled romp of a play written by playwright Jennifer Selway.
It’s the funeral of Jewish Reuben Roffe and around his coffin are his widow, played by Donna Combe, his mistress (well why not?!) the celebrant and a mystery guest.
The deceased has helpfully left a video to be played at the funeral. With popular Jewish comedian Steve Jameson playing the role of Reuben, the play is a madcap farce with more twists than a spiral staircase.
Staged at Upstairs at the Gatehouse, this brand new play was produced by Katie and John Plewes who until recently ran the Highgate theatre.
“I believe in theatre being entertaining,” said John. “I have been in the business for over 50 years and my philosophy is that people should be entertained with a capital E. They should be able to go out and enjoy themselves at the theatre, and have a laugh and come out smiling. And this play, which was written just a few months ago, is good fun and very entertaining.”
Playing for a short run, as part of The Camden Fringe, the performances were well received with the audiences enjoying the comedy and farcical elements of the show.
The show won favour with reviewers, and awarded some four star reviews.
John and Katie now hope to take the 75-minute long play on tour.
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