Changing Rooms review, The Drayton Arms Theatre

As soon as people start disappearing through doors, you know you're in for an evening of deep silliness, and if you like silliness it's worth tripping across to Okay Yah territory for Changing Rooms, especially as the production is staged over a pub that can serve up a smashing burger beforehand.

Changing Rooms is a French farce. Well, it's written about French people, by a Frenchman. Marc Camoletti is best known for the West End winner, Boeing Boeing, for which its last star, Mark Rylance, got an Olivier Award nomination in 2007. Here we don't have a glut of air hostesses, but a glut of airheads. Slimy bald politician, Bernard, who wears Superman socks and silk scarves, has bought an engagement ring for his trusting, virginal, mistress. His wife, Jacqueline, fighting age with a little bit of help, crashes Maseratis and pulls in pretty toy boys. When each thinks the other is away for the weekend, they invite their young lovers to share the flat. Cue... farce.

To return to doors: there are three of them. Plus alternative exits - to the housekeeper Nana's room, to the kitchen, and to the loo. As one door opens to reveal a lover in bizarre attire or attitude, another closes on a 1970s lurex-covered backside. Like a juggler, Nana keeps them all moving to avert disaster, but as her lies become increasingly outlandish, how long will it be before someone notices that the whisky decanter keeps disappearing?

In conclusion: This production is so pared down there isn't even a cast list - but it's a game cast, beautifully directed by Anna Ostergren. Nana is a joy, and given the lack of set, it is the costumes, the posturing and the choreography that create the mood. If you hate farce, don't go near this. If you love it, which I do, you'll turn a blind eye to the short-comings.

References
Drayton Arms Theatre, Tickets

Drayton Arms Theatre, Upstairs at the Drayton Arms, 153 Old Brompton Road, London SW5 0LJ. Run ends December 21
.