Reviewed by Ron Lee, CSP

​

Far From Dirty & Definitely Not Rotten

 

Did you happen to catch “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” at the Theatre Royal?

 

I managed to see one of the last performances and was absolutely delighted.

 

On that night, Vincent Hooper, who understudied Matt Hetherington for the production, played Freddy Benson for the first time. Hooper had obviously closely studied the film version with Michael Caine and Steve Martin because he duplicated the latter, pitch and expression-perfect. If that was his and director Roger Hodgman’s intention, mission accomplished. Either way, his performance was exceptionally entertaining, and he was a highlight, and I look forward to seeing him in other productions.

 

Veteran John Wood was expectedly solid as Andre Thibault, although his accent wandered a bit.

 

The other key roles of Christine Colgate and Muriel Eubanks were ably played by Amy Lehpamer and Anne Wood. 

 

But what can you say about the magnificent Tony Sheldon? It’s not often that you can look at a performance, especially in a work that is very familiar, and be hard-pressed to imagine anyone else in the role. In a consummate display of talent, the Sydney version of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” would not be a third of the quality without Tony Sheldon. He owns the role of Lawrence Jameson, just as Liza Minnelli owned the role of Sally Bowles in the movie version of “Cabaret”.

 

That’s what dedication, experience, commitment and immense talent will do.