On until this Saturday (13 April) at the Cambridge Arts Theatre is a new production of the classic comedy The School for Scandal, starring Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actor Joseph Marcell.
Written in 1777 by Richard B Sheridan, this touring version – described as “one of the greatest comedies ever written” – is set in the 1950s and features a talented cast of eight.
Joseph Marcell, who memorably played Geoffrey the butler in Fresh Prince, plays Sir Peter Teazle, a role previously tackled by the likes of Sir Laurence Olivier and Sir Ralph Richardson.
The minimalist set, with its lush, coral-coloured curtains and three telephones placed on columns of varying height (a chaise longue and other props were later added), was an eye-catching sight, and the sumptuous costumes worn by the actors were also striking and colourful.
The play took a while to get going and it wasn’t until the introduction of Garmon Rhys as the outrageous fop Sir Benjamin Backbite and Lydea Perkins as Mrs Candour, whose movements and characterisation reminded my friend who accompanied me of Victoria Wood’s ‘Two Soups’ sketch, that it began to really hit its stride.
The former in particular, with his voice, facial expressions and exaggerated, spit-producing diction - not to mention his hilarious movement - was so funny that he pretty much stole every scene he was in and I would like to have seen more of him!
The other actors all played their parts well, and all but Joseph Marcell portrayed two characters each - in most cases two very different characters.
Joseph was ideally cast in his role as the wealthy Sir Peter - he recently told the Cambridge Independent that it was a “wonderfully challenging and incredibly exhilarating” part to play - and one couldn’t help but sympathise with his plight at times, despite - or perhaps because of - his naivety.
It has to be said that the play is quite long, and there were times where I got a bit lost with what was going on, plot-wise (though that’s probably more of a reflection of me!).
However, the beautiful costumes, well-written 18th century dialogue, and the intense effort all of the actors put in - as well as some very amusing moments of physical comedy - made sure I never got bored.
After the bows, there was a lovely surprise before the actors left the stage, but I won’t ruin it for you!
[Read more: *[*Fresh Prince of Bel\-Air actor Joseph Marcell bringing classic comedy The School for Scandal to Cambridge Arts Theatre*](https://premium.cambridgeindependent.co.uk/whats-on/fresh-prince-of-bel-air-actor-joseph-marcell-bringing-classi-9359918/)]*
The School for Scandal runs at the Cambridge Arts Theatre until Saturday (13 April). Tickets, priced £20-£40, are available from cambridgeartstheatre.com.
