Well, that title’s a misnomer! No smoking guns, family feuds or similar Russian theatre tropes in this romantic comedy of dubious manners.
A.S. Robertson’s PPP two hander stars Pauline Knowles and Matt Costello as Francis and Mitch, two singletons on the wrong side of forty looking for, if not romance, then something to sustain them. Knowles, with her too short skirt and eviscerating tongue, is fun as the disparaging Francis, and ‘crumpled’ Costello gives as good as he gets as the put upon Mitch, even if it’s clear he can’t quite get over his domineering ex-wife.
Photos: Leslie Black
As the white wine flows, so too does the likeable banter. Neither are as advertised online, but common ground, or at least a compromise, can possibly be found in this slight, but frothy enough comedy. Both are superb under Beth Morton’s sure direction, but it’s not terrifically memorable. And the Chekov reference? Mitch thinks he’s a comedian…
(Lorna Irvine)
Reviewed at Oran Mor. At Aberdeen Lemon Tree from March 26th-31st
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