0
Without question, 1988s Dirty Rotten Scoundrels starring Michael Caine, Steve Martin and Glenne Headly is one of the most iconic comedies to have ever hit the big screen; think farce on a grand scale, then think DRS, as Caine and Martin put on the glitz and mayhem in an almost timeless cinematic delight, tailor made for the stage.
The touring musical production of the film, which is currently at The Liverpool Empire, sees former Robin of Sherwood and Dynasty star Michael Praed taking on the role of super classy, super slick and super vain con artist, Lawrence Jameson, living it up on the French Riviera with the aid of a corrupt police chief, until new kid on the block Freddy Benson rocks up and tries to take a piece of the action for himself.
What ensues is mayhem and Michael is delighted to be at the theatre performing before Liverpool audiences again. “I think this is my third time at The Empire, which is a gorgeous theatre to play, and I appeared at The Playhouse many moons ago as well, but it is always great coming back to the city. The people are always so warm and friendly and responsive to good, laugh out loud comedy which is what this is. The Empire Theatre is also one of the biggest and best in the country and it is an absolute pleasure being back here with Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. The reaction to the show so far here has been extraordinary.”
“When I got the part of Lawrence, I remembered the film from back in the 1980s, so I revisited it and it has such a terrific story, with two outstanding performances from Michael and Steve in the main roles. Then I read this script, which of course is a musical adaptation so is a bit different to that of the movie. The plot remains the same but we’ve got one or two additions and, naturally, some song and dance routines thrown in for good measure.”
Due to the logistics and as with any touring production that comes to Liverpool, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is a show that is constantly being adapted for the different venues. “The Savoy, where Scoundrels was housed in London recently, is very intimate but The Empire, for example, is one of the largest performance spaces in the UK and the dynamics of each room we play in sort of dictate accordingly. It’s a particular thing of the sound department, to be honest, but the actors also have to modify their performances without losing any of the energy the show demands. It doesn’t take that long to sort out because we are used to working on different stages, but it is certainly a consideration when it comes to preparation.”
Speaking of preparation, Michael’s character is barely off stage and, as such, his is such a physically demanding role that it might be imagined particular training routines are required. “The show is about two hours in duration but as long as you look after yourself, eat correctly and keep an eye on what time you go to sleep and how many beers you might have before you do, once you’ve hit a certain level of fitness it isn’t too difficult to maintain it and we have a great team looking after us as well which always helps.”
The cast also boasts former Hear’Say vocalist Noel Sullivan in the role of Freddy along with Early Doors TV star Mark Benton as Chief of Police, Andre Thibault. Is it as much fun off stage as it appears to be on it and how strenuous is the touring work schedule? “When you are on tour with an unhappy company it does always seem to come across on stage, whereas the reverse is true with a happy team; mercifully this one falls very much into the latter category.”
“Our first day at work is a Tuesday so we have to be in the theatre for around 2 pm to carry out sound checks and get a technical feel for the room and, also, to see that the scenery is all working as it should be and that we’re all standing in the right places so as to avoid being hit with half a ton of set that comes flying in. That’ll be done by around 5 pm and we then get ready for that evening’s show, which finishes around 10:15. On the Wednesday and Saturday, though, we are on stage for a matinee at 2 pm, so we have to be in for around 12.30 to warm up and then again at 6 for the evening show, so it’s all pretty full on.”
“That’s not to say its all work, work, work either. During our time together off stage, we’ll probably grab a bite to eat or a quick drink, but it is surprising how little time we do have to go out sightseeing, particularly during a weekly tour like this one. Being a part of such a happy company, though, does make touring so much more fun.”
And that contentment off stage certainly shows on it. “Anybody coming to see the show can expect an awful lot of laughter,” Michael said. “The whole thing is very, very entertaining and I defy anybody who comes along not to have a good time because it genuinely is laugh-out-loud funny.”