WHEN you go to a Royal Court show the excellent pre-publicity lets you know what to expect.
An illuminated sign outside the new-look building gives you an indication of what's on offer.
They do exactly what it says on the poster or, in the case of A Fistful of Collars, the label.
A startled man inside a washing machine gives you a hint.
This is a show stamped with the warning .... suspend belief all who enter here.
A Fistful of Collars is a typically clever pun title here centered on a dry cleaning shop down on its luck.
Angela Simms and Eithne Brown in scene from A Fistful of Collars. Picture: Bond Media Agency
A dry cleaners with a dodgy difference.
Sisters Eileen (Eithne Browne) and Pat (Lindzi Germain) find a niche in the market with Foxy Frocks an exclusive hiring out service.
They are helped and hindered by Billy (Lenny Wood) and Angela Simms as wannabe fashion designer Leona.
Court favourite Alan Stocks is a dim copper Bernard Johnson while Suzanne Collins is a sassy, sexy PA to greedy landlord Curtis played, with his usual confidence, by Jake Abraham.
The comedy, which made its debut in 2010, has been re-tweaked by writer Fred Lawless and Bob Eaton is just the ticket in the directing department.
Mark Walters' set crowned by a coat hanger is compact and practical.
Three doors are pivotal to the action in this two-hour production.
A kidnapped Colleen Rooney, a dubious James Bond and a flurry of frenetic visual gags involving mobile phones and an iron keep the action on full steam ahead motion.
There are times when the famous Benny Hill music comes into your head as the slapstick dominates.
I would have preferred less shouting and more gags.
The cast are, after all.
Some of the city's most versatile performers.
Alan Stocks and Suzanne Collins Scene from A Fistful of Collars. Picture: Bond Media Agency
There were times when I felt this would make a better film than a play.
It could be paced better.
A highlight is a mini-medley of musical hits.
Lenny Wood as Stan Laurel lookalike Billy has been in 16 Royal Court productions in his career and deserves a show written around him.
When it comes to laughter, Lenny cleans up throughout.
And it's about time Suzanne Collins was given a dramatic vehicle that shows her serious acting talents.
The Court's own inventive self-regulating guide Can-I-bring-my-gran-O-Meter gives two stars for swearing, one for nudity and two for general rudeness.
The ensemble cast give their all once again.
You would be hard pressed to ever find this talented crew-individually and collectively never giving 100 per cent.
It's a farce to be reckoned with.
Three Stars.
The show is on until August 20.
Tickets from 0151 709 4321.
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