The gossip and bickering jump from the small screen to the big scene in this spoofy (though unbelievably realistic) recount of the tabloids’ favourite trial. Guillermo Nazara shares his thoughts on this comedy playing once again in the West End only until next month, to let us know what awaits in this play inspired by the catfight of the century… by Instagram standards.
“You bitch!”, cried somebody in the audience after learning what Rebekah Vardy allegedly did. Nerves ran free last night, as the two rivals stood onstage (lips glossed and claws sharpened), ready to tear each other to pieces. With their paths crossing through her mutual passion (marrying famous footballers), yesterday’s trial brought out a stream of memories and shame, to which its astonished crowd could only react in one single way: roaring laughter.
“Nothing will ever top a good old catfight”, comments another viewer whom I may have made up for deceiving purposes only. Hey, I’m not the bad guy here! Well, I am. But at least I don’t create false Instagram accounts to spy on others’ privates lives… Well, perhaps if I have a big crush on somebody, but that hasn’t happened since Monday (mmm, who’s this cutie ignoring me on Grindr now?). Anyway, can’t even remember where I was, but to sum it all up quickly (it’s Friday, darling), you’ll be glad to know that now you can reunite with all the fun you had (admit it) while seeing these two celebrities ripping each other over such a pile of BS. Because it’s back – and it’s BETTER.
Bringing to the stand Live Hennessy’s adaptation of the Vardy v Rooney case, the touching and much distressing quest of a famous wife and TV personality to prove how another famous wife and TV personality had leaked her Instagram stories to The Sun newspapers. T-R-A-G-I-C. Maliciously childish as it sounds (and is), the same can be said for the surprisingly insightful amusement you’re infected with from the very beginning, while crying (and snoring, sorry – I’ll get it checked) with laughter almost line after line. Brilliantly structured and wittily staged, the show goes beyond camp comedy (a trait that nonetheless exudes in spades) to also suggest an extra layer of sagacity by criticizing a circus of nonsense created by the media and law system alike.
Directed by Lisa Spirling, the production features a simple but effective and, most importantly, evocative and symbolic set, credited to Polly Sullivan, that despite not being the most imaginative or subtle, manages to serve its purpose of narrating and providing some irony to its visuals. The same can be said about Richard Hammarton’s underscore, which though never particularly highlighted during the performance, creates an atmosphere of interest and excitement that boosts the plot’s overall rhythm.
Moving on to our lovely ladies – no pun intended… seriously, I’m trying to be nice… [chuckle]. Both lead and supporting cast are the production’s biggest treat. Lucy May Barker, as the previously mentioned (in several ways…) Rebekah Vardy gives a much compelling rendition through her quiet but hilarious rendition, a feature that can only rise the praise both for her work and also the quality of the show’s writing. At the same time, Laura Dos Santos (as Coleen Rooney) endows her role with charm and naive fun, while Nathan McMullen becomes the third star of the show thanks to his enticing and always naturally uproarious depiction of reporter Pundy as well as Wayne Rooney and Jamie Vardy.
You may find it brilliant, you may find it trash. But something I won’t hear from you (mainly because I don’t have your number -take the hint-) is that is dull. Quite as bonkers as the real case itself (no need to tell you to be prepared, then), The Wagatha Christie trial has everything a good farce should feature: an easy and sympathetic story, fast-moving scenes and lots, lots and lots of preposterous rubbish (the good kind, though). No matter who you rule in favour of, this show always wins.
Vardy V Rooney – The Wagatha Christie Trial plays at London’s Ambassadors Theatre until 20 May. Tickets are available on the following link.