Mr and Mrs Beard at Georgian House, Edinburgh Review
Written by Kerry for Theatre & Tonic
“Mr & Mrs Beard”, produced by Edinburgh-based Tartan Tabletop, centres around one day in a Georgian house’s tearoom. Two friends, Francis and Georgina, got married as an agreement to help hide their sexualities from society and Francis’ eccentric mother, Marjorie (only their lady’s maid and manservant know the truth). When Signor Orsini, an Italian “friend” of the family visits, all hell begins to break loose, especially when the priceless pink diamond family brooch goes missing. It’s not just the oysters that are about to turn sour.
The piece, stated as a Georgian farce, puts comedy at its forefront. In what can be described as Downton Abbey on crack, the quick-witted dialogue helps form relationships early on between the audience and the characters. There were a few points where the absurdity went a little too far, putting the thought of getting a laugh above the story. On the other hand, the quiet moments, mainly between Georgina and her lady’s maid, Nancy, felt like a breath of fresh air, being able to bring in an emotional state that does not seem to appear anywhere else.
The production value for a smaller new writing was exceptionally high. Being able to perform in an actual Georgian tearoom elevated the piece that much more, fully immersing the audience within the period. There did seem to be a few connections between the characters when it came to colour schemes, but it’s unclear whether this is the case or just a coincidence, explaining it would ensue spoilers I don’t wish to reveal. My only complaint would be that since there was no levelling up in the rows, it was tricky to see certain pieces of action at points, especially if a super tall person sat in front of you. But this is something that the production would have had little control over, so it didn’t influence my review.
What stood out the most was the cast in this production, with Ruth Canal (Lewis Gemmell) as Marjorie being the shining star, pulling major Hyacinth Bucket energy every time the chaotically charged mother waltzed her way into the room. On the other hand, Jade Hutchison and Lauren McColgan are a perfect pair as Georgina Beard and Nancy, being able to connect with both the hilarity and quietness. And a mention is due for Niall Curran as man servant Sinclair, whose descent into vengeful insanity felt like it was taken directly from an Oscar Wilde tale.
“Mr & Mrs Beard”, is a brilliantly entertaining piece of new writing, insanely funny and comical in its attempt of a Georgian farce. Yet would benefit from a little more breathing room for characters to truly feel and explore.
★★★★
