Donkey's Years
by Michael Frayn

Donkeys’ Years follows the exploits of six Oxbridge graduates and three members of staff over a twenty-four hour period in the hallowed halls of Oxbridge college, the reason for the gathering being a college reunion dinner twenty-five years after graduating. Friendships, feuds and copious amounts of alcohol make for a riotous evenings entertainment. Following a sell-out run in the West End, Malvern Festival Theatre is the last leg of this tour. Originally written in 1976 by Michael Frayn, who penned the hilarious ‘Noises Off’, this updated version of Donkeys’ Years has collected 3 Olivier Award nominations for Best Revival. Frayn has a wonderful use of the English language and, unlike many farce’s, he presents us with characters that are intriguing and utterly three-dimensional. A star-studded cast of eight gentlemen and one lady take us on an exhausting journey of three acts in two hours. The dialogue has pace and the cast deliver their performances with zest, clarity, and impeccable timing. Each act builds in energy to culminate in a frenzy of entrances and exits before all is resolved – well almost. The whole production was superbly directed by Michael Simkins and a mention must be made of the enchanting set, designed by Peter McKintosh. The only downside to the production is the fact that there are two intervals and this broke the energy and atmosphere that the actors had worked so hard to create. The first interval came so fast that the audience didn’t realise what was happening until it was to late to applaud, leaving most a little confused as to what was going on. Every cast member gave an excellent performance that was greatly appreciated by the Malvern theatre-goers. The highlight of the night for me was Mark Hadfield’s portrayal of Headingley the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department of Education. His comic timing was wonderful and physicality breathtakingly funny. A great night out, the show runs until Saturday.

Robert Holcroft, BBC Hereford and Worcester

We have just seen this comedy/farce - hilarious, fast and very very professional. It will live in our minds for ages. We both chuckled all the way home. The acting and timing was superb and it came over that the cast were enjoying every moment of it too. Never will we forget the trousers round the ankles shuffle or the trying to put on trousers over pyjamas act - superb! Thank you, everyone involved, for a very enjoyable show

Sally Tuffs, Malvern

This play lacks wit, sophistication or convincing characters and fails as either comedy or farce. On the whole, it was poorly acted and most of the cast seemed to think that an unvarying loud delivery with heavy emphasis on the obvious would best bring out the humour, if any, of the lines. To end on an upbeat note, the sets were rather good.

Ann johnstone, Painswick