A subtitle for this play might be "Goldsmith vs. Garrick" It concentrates on why Garrick, as leading actor and theater owner of his day, did not stage She Stoops to Conquer which, it is argued here by no less than Samuel Johnson, was the greatest play of its age. Certainly the National Theatre of Great Britain is making no such mistake, since it is simultaneously staging Goldsmith's work with A Laughing Matter as a companion piece. (Both plays have the same director and cast.) It certainly helps to be acquainted with the classic, but the contemporary play can stand on its own. For one thing, someone like Dr. Johnson is always explaining things to the audience. That said, it is most likely to be of interest to people interested in English literature as well as to theater history buffs. Costumes, set, music seem authentically fine.
Johnson (impressive Ian Redford) and his circle -- including Edmund Burke, Sir Joshua Reynolds, and of course, James Boswell -- are championing the manuscript of "Goldy," so poor that he's been eating his candles. Johnson presents him to Garrick for what amounts to a quick run-through. Garrick's reply is an account of Drury Lane's finances. He can afford to put on only one new work, and the spot's been promised to the Reverend Cumberland (also to be played by Ian Redford). Pretty soon, Garrick is being pressured every which way, even by his beloved wife. Actresses Peg Wolfington (standout beauty Monica Dolan), who fights with Garrick to play men's parts; and Mrs Cibber (strong Bella Merlin), who, though homely, has wiles, get in their say about Goldsmith's play, as well as does an influential Lady Kingston (Jane Wood). The more Garrick wants of realism and dignity on stage, the lesser are the impoverished Irishman's chances.
All the while, there's too much realism for Garrick in his life, past and present. If, in the absence of a son, his protege Theophilus O'Ryan (Owen Sharpe, well named) would just follow in his professional footsteps! But only the part of Goldsmith's Tony Lumpkin seems to spark his interest. As for the audience's, that's caught best during the sexy comedy before the bittersweet ending.
