A flat play by name and nature

on this Italian holiday following a slight accident that left one unable to travel. This scenario sets the play up for its obvious source of comedy. Travel always brings out the worst in people and this trip is no exception. We spend the play discovering each character’s differing approaches to culture and the relevant sightseeing and leisure activities.

Comedy always requires clever timing, not only from the individual characters, but also through the presentation of the play. While our main characters did their best with the material they had been given, creating believable characters throughout, their work was largely spoilt by the choreographed set-change antics of the two supporting cast members. This was perhaps initially entertaining, but interest soon waned.

Four Flat Whites in Italy is not Roger Hall’s best play. It structure is formulaic, the characters a little too familiar and the ever-present one-liners frequently fell flat. Fixed, as it is, in time somehow, and even though it is less than 10 years on from its premiere performance in 2009, it also seemed a little dated in this world of tumultuous change, making this a surprising choice for a national tour.