The Upstanding Member review, Old Red Lion Theatre

Gregory Skulnick is a comedy name, so it's no surprise he writes farce. His new play, The Upstanding Member, exploits the shambles that is modern British politics. We start in the home of a randy MP whose call-girl mistress is pregnant. To stop her blowing the whistle, he's applied for a super-injunction. As he discusses the detail with his lawyer, he's unaware that two Glen Mulcaire-type private investigators, are hiding in the room. They're being paid to find the girlfriend's phone, which contains video evidence of the conception. While there, they also steal the silver. When pregnant Gloria arrives with the scan photo, and wronged wife Beatrice turns up unexpectedly for a secret assignation, mayhem ensues.

Political Erectness

The Upstanding Member starts sluggishly, but as the story develops, a controlled ratcheting up of laughs leads to a tipping point after which everything is hilarious. There are classic lines, comedy faces, sleights of hand, and clever plotting that makes an increasingly farcical scenario feel strangely probable. Art is imitating life. Director Hamish MacDougall makes strange wardrobe choices, but manages the difficult job of keeping seven characters clearly delineated on the Old Red Lion's tiny stage, with ease.

When a good cast is working hard, it is ungenerous to wonder what a team of comedy greats might do with the same material, but the thought crossed my mind on a few occasions where it was the writing, rather than the delivery, that made me splutter with glee. What if this little team included Rowan Atkinson or Martin Clunes or Neil Pearson?

In conclusion: The Upstanding Member is a warm and funny 90 minutes and it's a treat to see good farce up close in a small space.  Carole Street is fabulous as the rubber-faced Beatrice and Kate Cragg a charming Gloria. Mentions too for: Tim Dewberry, Izaak Cainer, Alexander Pritchett, Ed Sheridan and Stephen Omer.


References
Old Red Lion Theatre, Tickets

The Old Red Lion Theatre,  418 St John Street, London EC1V 4NJ.  Run ends 4 January 2014