Hamilton Musical Theatre's production of Forum opened to a sold-out audience. Photo / Supplied
Hamilton Musical Theatre's production of Forum opened to a sold-out audience. Photo / Supplied
Reviewed by Geoff Lewis
There was an overwhelming sense of joy among the audience at the opening performance of Hamilton Musical Theatre's production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.
Not only the joy of being able to revel in a hilarious musical comedy - but a dam-burst of pent-up creative energy held back by the Covid-19 lockdowns of 2020.
Under normal circumstances the Riverlea Theatre stable of theatre companies - Playbox and Musikmakers (now Hamilton Musical Theatre) - would put together four or five productions a year.
But Covid stopped all that and Forum, as it is known for short, is the first major release in the easier environment of 2021.
Inspired by farces written by ancient Roman playwright Plautus and with written work by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gilbert and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim - Forum tells the bawdy story of a slave named Pseudolus and his desperate attempts to win his freedom by helping his young master catch the girl next door.
Forum tells the bawdy story of a slave and his desperate attempts to win his freedom by helping his young master catch the girl next door. Photo / Supplied
The plot displays many classic elements of farce including puns, satire, mistaken identity, wild chases around the stage and characters disguising themselves as one another - what could possibly go wrong?
Hamilton Musical Theatre's Forum, directed by Toni Garson, exhibits focused commitment and enthusiasm from a cast made up of veteran stage performers and many new and rising talents.
Probably the biggest shout-out goes to the hard-working Tim Pollock in the lead role of the slave Pseudolus. Tim is a product of Hamilton's active theatre scene and has played in more than 40 productions.
There are so many others - Shaun White as the increasingly hysterical Hysterium, Daniel Cruickshank as Hero, Sasha Kirkwood as the slightly daffy Philia, 17-year-old Paris Eyeington as the Miles Gloriousus, Mike Scanlon as Lycus the shady brothel-keeper, and John McKee who plays Erronius with Pythonesque bewilderment. Behind them are the energetic cast of "courtesans" and extras.
Experience the joy of a hilarious musical comedy mixed with the joy of creative energy released in the wake of Covid-19 lockdowns. Photo / Supplied
What had been Musikmakers (established 1976) also took the opportunity of 2020 to recast itself at Hamilton Musical Theatre.
Outgoing president David Taylor explained that the change of name had been under consideration for some time, primarily to be clear about "what we do", but also to align with other industry groups. "We are very excited to be presenting Forum as Hamilton Musical Theatre."
With musical direction by Coryn Knapper, choreography by Lily Empson, production Jenni Murphy-Scanlon and costume Tracy Wilson, Hamilton Musical Theatre's production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum can be experienced at Riverlea Theatre in Hamilton, Wednesdays to Saturdays, May 19 to May 29. Matinee on May 22.
The Details What: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum When: Wednesdays to Saturdays, May 19 to May 29 Where: Riverlea Theatre, Hamilton Tickets: iTicket
