Theatre by the Lake will be drenched in the glorious sunshine and the suavity of the French Riviera as Keswick Amateur Operatic Society takes to the stage with musical Dirty Rotten Scoundrels this month.
Following the resounding success of The Sound of Music, this fast paced and slick offering is based on the 1988 film starring Steve Martin and Michael Caine.
The show is set on the French Riviera, where Lawrence Jameson is a successful conman working in league with the chief of police.
When a young rival, Freddy Benson, invades his patch, Lawrence takes him under his wing to teach him the tricks of the trade, and the arrival of a wealthy American heiress prompts a battle to see who can fleece her first.
After an incredibly successful debut as assistant director of The Sound of Music, Cole Kelly is directing Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.
Cole said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be able to bring this hilarious side-splitting musical to life with the help of our talented cast and fabulous production team. Directing this show has been a fantastic experience and it gets funnier every time I see it!”
The music of the show – directed by 2025 NODA award winning musical director Colin Brind – is in some respects, a throwback to an earlier age: David Yazbek’s score even includes a parody of Oklahoma, as well as love songs in the style of Cole Porter, an 80s-style power ballad, and a 1940s-style swing duet.
Playing Lawrence and Freddy are long-standing society members James Manning and Owen Evans.
Amy Hall (2025 NODA North West award for best female lead in The Sound of Music) takes to the stage again as Christine Colgate and they are enthusiastically supported by Richard Field (Andre), Colette Gaizely (Muriel), and Paige Young (Jolene).
There is considerable liveliness to be found in the ensemble too – ably led by the skilful choreography of Jenni Hutchinson.
Keswick Amateur Operatic Society’s Dirty Rotten Scoundrels will be performed from Thursday May 22 to Sunday May 25 at Theatre by the Lake.
