Indu Dharmasena's take on a Ray Cooney classic -'It Runs In The Family'

Director Indu Dharmasena returns with another Ray Cooney comedy. This time it’s ‘It Runs in the Family’, a classic British farce, a laughter-filled cocktail of mistaken identities, fabricated deaths and even a few cross-dressing antics.

Indu Dharmasena takes the role of ambitious neurologist, Dr. Mortimore who is just moments away from delivering the prestigious ‘Ponsonby Lecture’ to a room full of physicians from all parts of the world. But minutes before his all-important speech, one which may possibly lead to a knighthood, his mistress from 18 years ago, walks back into his life.

When Mortimore discovers that his past philandering has resulted in him fathering a child he is shocked, and even more so when he finds out that the child is now a young man of 18, who at this very moment is demanding that he meet his father. Compelled to come up with an elaborate plan to keep his career and marriage intact, Mortimore enlists the help of his friend and colleague, Dr. Bonny. Dr. Bonny’s innocence and good-nature means that he is easily taken advantage of by Mortimore according to Abbasali Rozais, who plays Dr. Bonny.

Mortimore goes to great lengths to hide both his affair and the existence of his illegitimate son from his wife Rosemary, as clearly he is afraid of the consequences if she does find out explains Indu. Sanwada Dharmasena, who plays Rosemary, describes her as firm and proper. “She reminds me of a modern-day Lady Macbeth,” Sanwada explains – her character is very supportive of her ambitious husband, yet intimidating in her own right.

‘It Runs in the Family’ will be on at the Lionel Wendt Theatre at 7.30 p.m. on May 19, 20 and 21. Tickets are priced at Rs 3000, 2800, 2500, 1500 and Rs 750 for balcony, and can be purchased at the Wendt.

Proceeds from the play will go to the Rotary Clubs of Colombo Metropolitan and Colombo Cinnamon Gardens for their project to refurbish the closed cancer ward at the CCC Foundation transit home for cancer patients.