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Published: 02 June 2011
by SARA SMYTH

THIS entertaining production has much to offer – Somerset accents, slapstick comedy and an anti-hero you can’t help but root for. 

Based on Henry Fielding’s 1749 novel, Tom Jones’s illegitimate birth has followed him throughout his life. 

This class concept will be nothing new to period drama viewers; however, this production takes a wonderfully fresh and vibrant approach to characters and plots that you’re sure to have seen before.

In a time when virtue and honour collide with vice and scandal, our protagonist is master of the latter. 

Not unlike our modern-day Tom Jones, women can’t help but throw their underwear at him and it is safe to say that Jones enjoys a bit of “how’s your father?”

Ross Ericson’s adaptation follows the trajectory of Tom Jones as he attempts to tame his wicked ways in the name of his beloved sweetheart, Sophia.

Full of spirited performances, this intimate production may not be the most technical or slick, but the laughs come thick and fast nonetheless. 

Standout performances include Kate Mounce as an elderly spinster with a speech impediment and Ben Bellamy as the outrageously camp Mr Blifil. 

This cast deliver lively and exuberant performances that lift the predictable storyline. 

Edward Kingham, who directed the production, steps in as narrator, weaving the tale of love and lust together nicely. 

Hats off (excuse the pun) to Ross Ericson, who manages to remain haughty and proud as Mr Thwackham with nothing but a hat to cover his modesty.

A smorgasbord of sexual innuendo, farcical misunderstandings and hammy puns, Giant Olive Theatre Company certainly fulfil the brief with this frivolous romp.

Camp and smutty, this show is not one for the prudish theatre-goer.

UNTIL JUNE 13 • 08444 771 000