“Would you want a windfall of several millions? You may think twice after watching this play”
What would you do if you won the lottery? Invest it wisely or spend it lavishly? Buy a sensible runabout or splurge on a Ferrari? Keep your job or catch the next flight to the Seychelles? It’s a desirable dilemma often thought about by many, especially in view of the cost-of-living crisis.
The topic is explored in the UK premiere of ‘Windfall’ at Southwark Playhouse. The chaotic comedy, written by Scooter Pietsch, follows a critically acclaimed run in New York last year. Having made its way across the pond, it runs for five weeks until Saturday 11th March. It is directed by Mark Bell who is best known for directing West End hits ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ and ‘The Comedy About a Bank Robbery’.
The play centres on five downtrodden office workers in Ohio nearing the end of their tethers following years of dull routine. Their frenzied boss drives them crazy, their workload is immense and they need an escape. Having always clubbed together and jointly bought a few lottery tickets each week, one of them (Galvan, played by Gabriel Paul) has an eerie yet detailed premonition that this time they will indeed hit the jackpot. So they risk all by pooling their money (around one to two months’ worth of salary for some of them) and buying several hundred lottery tickets.
The roll of the dice is a risky one, and what follows is a whirlwind of bedlam as the prospect of winning brings out the worst in each of them. Colleagues become accomplices, lovers become rivals, friends become enemies and secrets bubble ominously to the surface.
Strictly Come Dancing champion Joanne Clifton stars as Jaqueline, the office newbie who soon succumbs to temptation and joins the get-rich-quick scheme. Having previously starred in several stage musicals including ‘The Addams Family’, ‘Pippin’ and ‘The Rocky Horror Show’, ‘Windfall’ marks her debut in a comedy play. But whilst she’s the most recognisable name, this is very much an ensemble piece.
The action takes place in the office, and at first glance it is easy to imagine the play may have shades of Ricky Gervais’ sitcom/mockumentary. But it soon becomes clear this is more of a direct comedy rather than a subtle one. The direct approach can work well if applied correctly and the subject material allows for it to be received appropriately, but it misses the mark on this occasion. There is the occasional well-delivered line that receives the desired roar of laughter from the audience. But there were not nearly as many as you would expect from what’s supposed to be a raucous comedy. There are scuffles, slanging matches and quite literally blood, sweat and tears from each character. The blood in particular isn’t for the faint hearted.
The concept is an interesting one, and it could work if it was not for the overall message that money is something we should all strive for in order to validate our lives.
Review by Miles Morgan