The Review - THEATRE by DEBORAH LEBOURG Published: 20 September 2007
Falling foul of the fame game
CLINICALLY FAMOUS/HOWARD AND MIMI
IN Clinically Famous, Beverley (Natalie Haverstock) is an ex-soap actress admitted to the Priory Clinic after falling victim to her fame. She reflects on what it’s like to be famous, having once been loved, then hated, when her character was turned into a villain.
Caroline Gold’s observations on depression (having checked herself into the Priory twice) and the fickleness of fame are both moving and witty, and Haverstock’s delivery doesn’t fail to please.
Howard and Mimi takes the very different tack of a pair of pets, forced to cohabit when their owners move in together.
When Nick moves in with his girlfriend Jane, so does his loyal but smelly dog, Howard (Dan March). Mimi (Natalie Haverstock), Jane’s snobbish cat, is less than impressed by this sudden invasion. Eventually they bond and take us on their journey, from Jane and Nick’s domestic arguments, to their wedding and the arrival of a baby, which Howard and Mimi see as a threat to their comfort.
Although a little too long and with patches of unconvincing dialogue (Mimi’s speech on animal rights seems slightly out of place), the story remains charming and well observed.
Dan March makes a perfect over-enthusiastic dog and Haverstock is as suave and precious as a feline should be. Until September 30
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