Dandy Dick, the first production launched by a brand-new partnership between several large regional theaters in the UK, made a sparkling debut at Theatre Royal, Glasgow. The Victorian comedy by Arthur Wing Pinero was written in 1887, but it has been given a fresh gloss by director Christopher Lucombe, whose specialty is classic comedies.
Dandy Dick is set in the drawing room of the Deanery, a mansion in Brighton, a seaside city famous for its summer horse races. The slight but farcical plot centers on two spoiled sisters (one of whom is a reckless gambler), and their over-earnest suitors, a much-put-upon Reverend, a ditzy aunt and various other comic characters. The main issues touched upon by Pinero (the Neil Simon of his time) are gambling addiction, credit problems and the troubles of organized religion. As such, Dandy Dick is more relevant than at first it seems.
The objective of TRBP (Theatre Royal Brighton Productions) is to bring West End-level work out to the regions. Dandy Dick fulfills that objective admirably, thanks to its skilful cast and director.
