Search

Saved articles

You have not yet added any article to your bookmarks!

Browse articles

GDPR Compliance

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

King Kong... ish

 
Paul T. Davies Review by Paul T. Davies 4 Published: 8 Jul 2026 Frinton Summer Theatre Show Dates: 7 Jul 2026-11 Jul 2026

Following a strong Shakespeare last week, Frinton Summer Theatre prove the versatility of repertory theatre with this hilarious spoof of amateur theatre and the classic film King Kong. The premiere of Bryan Hodgson’s play, which he also directs, is forged from a long line of British comedy that revels in theatrical disasters; think of the Ferndale Avenue series, Noises Off and The Play That Goes Wrong. Three actors, moulded in those comedies, play 44 parts when the cast of King Kong are struck down with food poisoning. From the outset, connecting strongly to the local community, the fourth wall is dismantled and the director, Kevin, Front of House volunteer Debbie, and stage manager Robert undertake the epic story. It is wildly silly, revels in audience participation, and gathers pace and momentum as the mayhem increases!

The battle between a T. Rex and Kong is worth being in the theatre for alone!

It’s a comedy cast to die for. As the pompous, dictatorial-ish director Kevin de la Rue, Ricky Oakley is the deranged centre of the show, blackmailing the others into assisting him, unforgiving of mistakes, and joyously brings the script’s campness to life. Rosie Meek is a total delight as Debbie, having the lines fed to her via an earpiece, but the app keeps feeding her lines from The Importance of Being Earnest and The Nativity – beautifully timed. The highest manic energy is provided by Tom Watson as Robert, changing character with the flick of an eye, a masterclass in comedy, including slapstick. The three give the show everything, and have enormous fun, which is conveyed to a gleeful audience. If nothing else, the hysterical fight between a T. Rex and Kong is worth being in your seat for alone!

It’s perfect family fare for a summer’s evening, and the beauty of Hodgson’s script is that it builds as the play goes on. When you feel a gag is on the verge of being overplayed, the action switches. In a heartfelt programme note, Hodgson praises amateur theatre, not just as a place of creativity and learning, but of friendship and community, which is true of my personal experience. Although I’ve never been involved in anything as chaotic as this (honest), the love of theatre shines through. It’s a joy, and will lift many a spirit during its short run.

Related to this article:

Location:

Performances

The Blurb:

A spoof of the classic film, staged in an intimate venue!