Priceless comedy

"We'll have Tons of Money!!!"
"Yes Aubrey, but we owe Tons of Money, and by the time we've paid for the Tons of Money, there won't be any Tons of Money left!!!"

Aubrey Henry Maitland Allington is a monocle-wearing aristocrat, who happens to be in serious debt to just about everyone he's come into contact with. However, his problems seem to be over when he hears that he has in fact inherited (from his brother, John Basil Whittington Allington, resident of Baffin Bay) tons of money! Of course, this sum will only be sufficient to pay off his clamoring creditors– hence leaving him with nothing. How will Aubrey escape his creditors and walk away with his fortune?

The Drama Society of S. Thomas' College Mt. Lavinia is one of the oldest Drama Society's in Sri Lanka. Tons of Money is their first venture into the realm of comedic plays since their production in August (2003) Playing Doctor.

Shanil Wijesinha will be playing the lead role of Aubrey Allington, with Milindra Kulugammana playing his wife, Louise Allington. Shanil is the President of the Society, and has received the most recognition for his portrayal of the prophet Tiresias in the production Antigone (2005), whereas Milindra has some experience playing comic roles (as well as female roles), as he played the role of Max in Playing Doctor (2003).

Shehan Mendis, acting in his first production, will be playing the role of Sprules, the scheming butler, with Mark Schubert playing the role of the housemaid, Ms. Simpson. Jurinez Shadrach and Nuwan De'Alwis will share the role of Giles, the very vocal gardener. Jurinez has acted before, as he has taken part in several productions, including Narnia (2006). Nuwan is a fresher in the society, and will be acting on stage for the first time in this production. Harith De Mel, also a new member of the society, (but not a newcomer to drama) will play Louise's eccentric uncle, Mr. Mullet, a character that is guaranteed to amuse. Dathika Wikramanayake will play the role of Aubrey's lawyer, Mr. Chesterman.

Dathika has prior experience with inter-house drama, but will make his stage debut in this production as well.

Tarik Jayasuriya (a seasoned veteran of the Society, having acted in many productions, including Narnia (2006) will play the role of Mr. Sprules' brother and accomplice, Henery. Ruven Weerasinghe plays a cameo role, and Jehan Gunasekara plays Louise's friend (and certified bimbo) Jean Everard.

As anyone can tell by looking at the multitude of characters involved in this play, the plot is not a simple one – it is gloriously full of pandemonium, and requires a performance that simply bursts at the seams with energy and wit.

This is what the drama society of S. Thomas' promises you – a night of rib tickling (ah, the unavoidable cliché) comedy, guaranteed to have you on the edge of your seat.

All proceeds from the production will go to the Chapel Renovation Fund.

In order to answer the question posed at the beginning of this article, I suggest you make your way down to the S. Thomas' College Hall, on Novemebr 2 – 4 and enjoy one of the best comedies to hit the boards in a long time.