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If you need an antidote to the Royal-mania that has recently been sweeping the land, this is surely it (but in the best possible taste, of course, ma’am).
Based on the children’s book of the same name, it tells the story of Dilys, the Queen’s maid, who guards Her Maj’s trunk of assorted and colourful smalls (padded riding briefs, glittery ‘space’ knickers or Christmas pants decorated with real holly, anyone?) as if they were the crown jewels. On the day that the trunk of undies goes missing all hell breaks loose and a state of national emergency is called. That’s about it really and, at times, the thin storyline threatens to peter out completely.
Thankfully, the piece is held together by the funny slapstick routines, lively dialogue and clever and inventive use of props: the knickers are stretched into shapes resembling everything from saxophones to fishes.
But the show is really a vehicle for the sparkling double-act of Keddy Sutton (Dilys) and Luanna Priestman (The Queen), who fizz with the energy and dynamism of a pair of Bonfire Night rockets, and convey a delightfully affectionate and irreverent relationship.
This hilarious, witty and down-right silly show will keep you chortling up to the last minute. And you’ll never look at a pair of humble knickers in the same way again.
By Rebecca Taylor