Back in the day, the Carry On franchise was one of the biggest contraversial hits of all time. Lots of saucy seaside humour, innuendo and blatant use of sexuality as times changed. Matching the ever growing changes in attitude, the films headed up by actors such as Sid James, Barbara Windsor, Hattie Jaques and Kenneth Williams not only entertained a crowd, but parodied many viewpoints on relations between the sexes through various hysterical storylines (including racy takes on historical events).
This show goes beyond what we expect it to be
Can't Stop Carrying On explores the idea of how relevant this particular comedic genre could be to today's audience (or not), as well as celebrates everyone involved in making it a success then. Darren Haywood takes on the key figures in this well constructed one man show and explores various ideas about how times change rapidly; especially after Emmanuelle leading up to Carry On Columbus. Using the show's creator Peter Rogers as the main anchor with a script that is well researched and written by James Nicholas, Haywood showcases the way that Rogers worked in order to create the ideas and make them come to life with such a vibrant energy that even when he gets into hot water with viewpoints that do not seem to relate to today's audience, we cannot help but like him. At times, he comes across as almost childlike as the world changes; even when he is pulled up comedically by people such as Kenneth Williams, Charles Hawtrey, Hattie Jacques and Barbara Windsor.
The way Haywood moves in and out of each character is like butter. Smooth and seemless. Even when he explores the idea of the ghosts of Peter's former actors coming back to haunt him, we see each one through subtle characteristic choices, such as Williams' enigmatic laugh and cutting Noel Coward wit, the deep resonant tones of Jacques and the ever vibrant Windsor's saucy trademark laugh. Occasionally it is hard to tell due to the subtle transitions whether Haywood is portraying a ghost or a living person, but it doesn't take away the fact that the past actions people carry out, leaves them with a choice. Get stuck there, or move forward. By moving forward with the times, this piece challenges us to see whether there is still a need for saucy humour today.
Can't Stop Carrying On is perfect for those who love the Carry On franchise, but due to the amount of research into what really went on, this show goes beyond what we expect it to be. It has the perfect blend of innuendo, fun, drama and insight and also is easily accessible to those who are completely new to this form of satire.
