A quintessential British farce that will have you in fits of laughter
Indu Dharmasena
‘It Runs in the Family’ is the quintessential British farce. Written by Ray Cooney, the British playwright, known for plays such as ‘Funny Money’ and ‘Run for your Wife’, it is set in St. Andrew’s hospital, a few days before Christmas. Dr. Mortimore, a pretentious and self-centred neurologist, is preparing for a potentially career-defining speech at an international medical conference, when in walks his former lover from 18 years before. Just moments before giving his speech, he discovers that he’s fathered an illegitimate, and apparently delinquent son, who is now in the lobby of the hospital demanding that his father meet him.
Desperate to keep the news from his wife, and determined to go on with the presentation, Dr. Mortimore enlists the help of his friend Dr. Bonney. Chaos ensues. With mistaken identities, outrageous lies and a sprinkling of cross-dressing antics, Cooney’s play is bound to have you in fits of laughter.
Directed by and starring Indu Dharmasena , ‘It Runs in the Family’ is presented jointly by the Rotary Clubs of Colombo Metropolitan and Colombo Cinnamon Gardens. The proceeds from the play will go to the refurbishment of the closed cancer ward at the CCC Foundation transit home. The transit home provides children travelling from all parts of the island to receive treatment at the Maharagama Cancer Hospital a place to rest and recover, in an environment that is safe, secure and hygienic. This facility is especially important as many of the children have weakened and vulnerable immune systems as a result of their illness and treatment.
Together with Indu, the cast also has Sanwada Dharmasena, Abbasali Rozais, Rehan Amarathunga, Sulo Perera, Anuk Dharmasena, George Cooke, Jaliya Wijewardena, Amaya Wijesinghe and Manthika Wijewardena.
‘It Runs in the Family’ is on the Lionel Wendt Theatre at 7.30 p.m. on May 19, 20 and 21. Tickets priced at Rs. 3000, 2800, 2500, 1500 and Rs 750 for balcony (unreserved) can be purchased from the Wendt.