The Shaw Festival's latest offering, 'One for the Pot', is a hilarious and entertaining take on the classic farce. Directed by Chris Abraham and starring Peter Fernandes, this production is a triumph, showcasing the festival's ability to deliver a side-splittingly funny and sophisticated show. The play, written by Ray Cooney and Tony Hilton, is a predictable piece of writing, but Abraham's direction and the cast's performance make it a must-see.
Fernandes takes on the challenging role of playing twins, and even triplets, with impressive physicality and comedic timing. His performance is a highlight of the show, as he navigates the fast-multiplying brotherhood with ease. The set design, by Michael Gianfrancesco, is opulent and clever, using forced perspective to create a luxurious living room. Ming Wong's costumes are also a standout, flatter the actors, and work in service of the play's physical demands.
The plot revolves around Jonathan Hardcastle, who has placed an ad in the paper summoning the last living member of his late business associate's family. If the last Hickory Wood shows up for an evening party and can prove he's the last of his clan, he'll receive a sizable inheritance. Enter Billy Hickory Wood, a bumbling idiot who struggles with basic math and social interactions, accompanied by his scheming friend Charlie. The story takes a turn when a new guest arrives, an Englishman who looks an awful lot like Billy, but with a posh accent and the ability to add two plus two.
The cast leans into the play's silly stakes, with Patrick Galligan delivering a hoot as the sneaky drunkard Hardcastle, and Camille Eanga-Selenge bringing sincerity to a play that's anything but. The production whizzes by like a circus train, and the show is worth the drive to Niagara-on-the-Lake. While most of the Shaw Festival's programming this year has fallen around the 'meh' mark, 'One for the Pot' is exemplary and a must-see for anyone looking for a fun and entertaining afternoon of giggles.
