The death of Benny Hill provides the impetus for this month’s offering from Newport Playgoers. ‘Dead Funny’ is a tragic-comedy about impotence, sex therapy and the English sense of humour.
Set in the early nineties, the play centres on a group of hero-worshipping neighbours, fixated on British comedians of the variety theatre. The dwindling members of the Dead Funny Society prepare a wake for Benny Hill. From this unlikely premise springs a play written unashamedly for adults and asking the age-old question: what is funny?
Eleanor, the frustrated wife, is out of step with her husband's Dead Funny Society and its small membership. Unlike them, she fails to see the funny side of their great heroes. She finds Benny Hill tasteless, sexist and not in the least humorous. It is impossible to agree on what is funny – but one thing is clear: just as comedy and tragedy are closely intertwined, so comedy and sex are also regular bedfellows.
‘Dead Funny’ is at the Dolman Theatre from Wednesday 15th – Saturday 18th October at 7.15 pm, with an extra matinee performance on the Saturday at 2.30 pm. To book tickets call 01633 263670 or visit www.dolmantheatre.co.uk.
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