Trevor Griffiths’ 1975 play Comedians was voted one of the greatest works of the 20th century in a recent National Theatre poll, and has been taken up as an A-level set text. However, it’s not had a major London revival since its first production, which memorably introduced Jonathan Pryce to the stage. Sean Holmes’ debut for the Lyric Hammersmith rectifies this omission; a glittering first night featuring such eclectic figures as Lily Allen, Hanif Kureshi and Griffiths himself shows the esteem that the play is still held in.
The play is set in three acts of roughly equal length. In the first, a group of aspiring stand-up comedians are put through their paces by their teacher, a former comedy legend somewhat gone to seed, Eddie Waters (played by Matthew Kelly). A London talent agent Eddie Challoner (Keith Allen) has come up to see their acts, and they are nervous, except the mercurial Gethin, superbly played by David Dawson, who appears to have a plan up his sleeve. In the second act, it becomes quite clear what Gethin’s game is, and the final act explores the aftermath of their performances.
While very funny in places, Griffiths’ play isn’t exactly a comedy. Instead, it’s a searching and rigorous examination of what makes people laugh, and the reductive way in which tasteless and offensive humour becomes debased through repetition and acceptance. It has dated slightly in places, and some of the final act’s conflict feels slightly forced, but nonetheless this is a strong revival of a fascinating and provocative play.
Until 14 November. www.lyric.co.uk, Lyric Square, King St, London W6 0QL
