Even if you aren’t a big fan of musical comedy you will enjoy A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. This farcical reimagining of Sondheim’s play set in Ancient Rome brings a modern twist to a classical story about mistaken identity. The show was inspired by playwright Plautus, and first performed on Broadway in 1962.

Packed full of slapstick satire and bawdy jokes, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is a breathe of fresh air delivered by theatre company Watch This. The all female-identifying caste are packed with talent, and Mel Hillman’s fast paced and upbeat direction delivers a flawless performance.

The House of Senex is occupied by a family and their slaves. When Senex and his wife go on a trip and leave their son Hero in the care of the house slaves, Hero’s personal slave, Pseudolus, makes a bargain with his young master. If he helps the Master win the heart of the girl next door, his Master will grant him freedom. There are two neighbouring houses. One belongs a buyer and seller of beautiful women, the other to an old man who spends his life coming and going in search of his children who were stolen by pirates as infants.

The object of Hero’s desire, Philia, has already been sold to a famous warrior called Miles, who is expected to arrive at any moment to claim her. Pseudolus needs to come up with a plan so that Philia and Hero can stay together and he can win his freedom.

The entire caste are exceptional, but there were a couple of standouts for me. Charmaine Gorman, is pitch perfect and energetic as Pseuolus, and Mel O’Brien, who has honed the facial expressions of the pouty virgin for sale, had me laughing before even opening her mouth.

I highly recommend A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum showing at the iconic Chapel off Chapel until 24th September.