» Review: Brighton Festival Fringe – The Cock & Tail Inn
The title (some landlord should run with that) of this energetic slapstick/satirical comedy theatre is a huge clue as to the contents of this play; on the surface about relationships of course, but above all about the underlying world of secrets, lies and dodgy morals that they inhabit. Set in a South-West pub in the mid-70s, a period of particularly garish clothes, ridiculous hairstyles and laughable dance moves, it’s a tall story about the unexpected death of down-and-out Spider and the bequeathing, to one of this motley crew, of something from his will. With a few rough edges likely to be ironed out during the course of the run, this consistently funny play (with an excellent period-detail stage set) really caught fire in the second half thanks in particular to the comedy turns of James Bond obsessive Barry (the landlord) and deluded Brummie rogue Vince.
Tudor Room, The Barcelo Ship Hotel, 18 May (runs until 28 May)
Rating: 
Jeff Hemmings
