THEATRE REVIEW: Ben Hur at Rotherham Civic Theatre

BEN HUR was one of those old biblical blockbuster films in glorious technicolour that always seemed to be on the TV on Bank Holidays, along with a Brian Rix farce and Billy Smart’s circus.

Charlton Heston — before launching Planet of the Apes — was never a barrel of laughs and it was ripe for lampooning.

Patrick Barlow, who did a brilliantly similar spoof of The 39 Steps, has lovingly turned the monumental tale into an epic comedy, a mix of Morecambe and Wise and Carry On with a bit of Monty Python’s Life of Brian thrown in.

In this am-dram masterpiece by four actors playing 25 roles, audiences are promised the likes of stunning combat scenes, genuine “iconic” chariot race and an authentic Roman orgy.

The Phoenix Players do a magnificent job of both parodying the days of Hollywood grandeur and paying tribute to the ambition and talents of amateur theatre.

The staging of the show has been epic in itself and a testament to the skills of all involved.

George Glasby is a perfectly bumptious Daniel Veil, the writer, director and star, as Judah Ben Hur, who leads the other three aspiring actors — including his girlfriend Crystal Singer (Beckie Coupe) — as they bring General Lew Wallace’s tome to the stage.

And so the backstage drama unfolds amidst the calamities of the play as we embark on a gagfest of groan-making puns, music and film references, slapstick, wonderfully ingenious stagecraft and much more. 

As they tell us, there’s no greater truth than the show must go on.

Barlow’s script is quick and witty — apart from the odd cringy camp moments — with some tongue-twisting fake prose and even snippets of philosophy. 

The direction is fast-paced throughout, with the cast displaying impeccable comic timing and making the most of the chaos ensuing from rapid costume changing.

The fabulous four of Glasby, Coupe — who put me in mind of Victoria Wood — tireless Neil Mather and a scene-stealing Brandon Mullins were all hilarious.

There’s even a homage to Wilson, Keppel and Betty! And the audience participation on the galley ship is great fun.

Let’s “hur” it for Ben Hur!

Ben-Hur is at Rotherham Civic Theatre until Saturday.