The Rover

(Belvoir Theatre)

Set in the 17th Century (I think) 'The Rover' starts off as a sort of cabaret/circus with bawdy references before it morphs into a farce with bawdy references. It is festival time in Naples, a time for revelry when aristocrats, the working classes, whores and nuns alike mingle and mix and match with total abandon.

Despite a long running time (three hours including interval) this production is vibrant, hilarious, fast paced and engaging throughout. It also features what must be the three thinnest, skinny legged actors treading the boards in Australia at the moment. Beware that the production includes language, sexual references, some nudity and (shock/horror) occasional harmless audience participation.

✮✮✮1/2