Taking on the saucy sexism of 1962 Broadway farce A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, innovative Sondheim repertory company Watch This achieves varied results with an all female-identifying cast.

This sweetly sung production retains a good many of the laughs embedded in the hysterical book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart but the overall production fails to fly, weighed down chiefly by noble intentions. Where the original show is breathlessly daring, this production is cloyingly sweet; with danger exchanged for safety, the usual hysteria deflates to the level of mild amusement.

The aim of softening the sinfully sexist humour of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is a noble one in this present era where there is rising pressure on all entertainments to fall into line with current societal mores. 

Director Melanie Hillman casts all of the roles with female actors, with no changes to the original characters or story. The conceit works well in numbers such as “Everybody Ought to Have a Maid”, in which the various lustful descriptions of a maid are completely softened with women singing the lines. In another example, the positioning of courtesans as Roman statues is a clever way to show these women as voiceless objects to be merely admired for their beauty.

Where the concept runs out of steam is in the increasingly complicated machinations of the original plot based on lust gone mad. The climactic chase scene is a particular flop, with the sexless interactions being just too hard to follow. 

A secondary issue is the lack of understanding of the vaudevillian comedy style. The ensemble cast of ten is filled with appealing, talented performers but there is lack of authentic comedy chops. The lone exception is veteran Judith Roberts (Erronius), who delights with her old-school hoofing and deadpan delivery. Roberts understands that seriousness is at the heart of comedy; too many of the cast members smile and mug through their scenes, dissipating the essence of comedy. 

Production values for the season are very solid. Budget constraints prevent the construction of three house fronts, but Sarah Tulloch’s abstract Roman columns, statues, and checkered floor make for a visually appealing setting. Costume designer Jemima Johnston avoids dressing any of the cast as “men,” using dress styles that could be seen as gowns for women or tunics for men. Colours and trimming are smartly realised.

Musical director Trevor Jones leads four fellow musicians in a slick performance of Stephen Sondheim’s delightful score. At times, the band is nicely boosted by three of the cast members. Jones’ meticulous musical direction ensures that Sondheim’s music and lyrics are performed with aplomb. With sound design by Marcello Lo Ricco, balance and vocal amplification are reliably pristine. 

A warm and engaging performer, Charmaine Gorman is a capable, if constrained, Pseudolus.

Rounding out the ensemble cast of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum are Milo Hartill (Hero), Jacqui Hoy (Hysterium), Mel O’Brien (Philia), Sophie Weiss (Domina), Luisa Scrofani (Miles Gloriosus), Cathy Woodhouse (Senex), Sarahlouise Younger (Marcus Lycus), and Kristie Nguy (all the ensemble/proteans roles including courtesans).

Perhaps one day the time will come when audiences can appreciate that humour (and, for that matter, drama) that originated in past eras can be enjoyed despite not approving of the morals or message on display. When that day comes, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum might soar again. 

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum plays at Chapel off Chapel, Melbourne until 24 September 2023. For tickets, click here.

Photos: Jodi Hutchinson