Jenny de Klerk

HE wicked

My Fat Friend with its witty repartee and universal theme – right or wrong, who hasn’t tried to smarten up to impress a suitor? – is always a favourite.

Most of us, though, can’t rise to the snappy remarks and comebacks of the totally irritating and mosquito-sharp Henry. He doesn’t miss a single opportunity to attack with everything from a pin to a battleaxe.

This marvellous character conjured up by playwright Charles Lawrence can only be forgiven (and enjoyed) because he is so transparent and completely unrepentant.

Here Henry is in the competent hands of Tobie Cronjé, a highly seasoned and spiced performer who could probably do the role in his sleep – he recently played it in the Afrikaans .

Vettie Vettie He excels in taking his characterisation – in this case extremely and deliberately overcamp – to the edge, but not quite over, making the most of his deceptively shocked and hurt facial expressions.

But it is Jeremy Richards as the young Scot James Anderson who picks up the loudest laugh when he shoots out, with perfect timing, just the right barb to pierce Henry’s bubble.

This characterisation is masterful, complete with convincing Scottish accent, from the bemused youngster of the first scenes, open-mouthed at the insults flying past him, ducking nimbly into the kitchen or bookshop to

Tescape the war, to the furious drunken rant when the worm finally turns. He also does a rather good mime. In previous productions of

I have seen, James My Fat Friend Anderson was merely a foil for Henry. Richard tackles his supremacy, making a worthy friend and foe.

Charlie Bouguenon is the suitor Tom. He only pops in at the beginning and end, but takes his share of laughs, making obvious a rather shy attraction at the beginning and dawning horror at the end (ignore the spoiler).

Which brings us to Michelle Botha as the extremely large lady of the first scenes, to the considerably smaller one of the later ones – it’s a great fat suit. She certainly has her moments, but her performance is loose compared to the control of the other two, where every movement is timed and calculated.

Both Tobie and Michelle managed to convey convincingly, even from the beginning, the obvious affection and friendship that underlies the insults.

To make the most of this rapid-fire play the pace has to be snappy. This one felt a little underrehearsed with both Tobie and Michelle stumbling at times and swallowing the punchline. The run has only just started so no doubt the problem will fix itself.

For a good night out with plenty of laughter, this is fun, although it might make you feel guilty enough to miss dessert if you dine out afterwards.

And make sure to leave the chocolates at home.

is directed by My Fat Friend André Odendaal for Pieter Toerien and Rosie Smit.