RUN FOR YOUR WIFE Opens at Dunfield Theatre Cambridge Tonight

Audiences can't resist the outrageous British farce Run For Your Wife. This classic comedy by Ray Cooney is full of everything you would expect: hysterical and improbable events, silly mix-ups, and countless misunderstandings. The production brings audiences on a laugh-a-minute ride at the Dunfield Theatre Cambridge through May 4th.

"Ray Cooney is recognized as the master of farce," says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. "Run For Your Wife is considered one of his most popular and funniest plays. I guarantee you'll be doubled over before it's done!"

London cabbie John Smith has a problem - two of them, in fact. Their names are Mary and Barbara and he happens to be married to both of them. For years John has successfully kept his two lives under wraps by maintaining a very precise schedule, spending mornings with one spouse at their home in Streatham and evenings with the other in Wimbledon.

The hilarity sets off when John is injured in a mugging and his carefully crafted charade implodes when the police return him to the wrong home at the wrong time. Things only get worse when John's picture appears in the local paper and a second police officer shows up to investigate how two men named John Smith with different addresses were both injured on the same day. With the help of his neighbour, Stanley, John tells a string of lies to cover up his secrets and explain himself to his two wives and two suspicious police officers. The result is an uproarious romp full of mistaken identities, swinging doors, and laugh-out-loud lunacy.

The devious but loveable taxi driver, John Smith, is brilliantly played by David Leyshon. Lie after lie, Leyshon never fails to get the laughs with spot-on delivery and contoured facial expressions as he attempts to keep his double life from self-destructing.

Susie Burnett and Stacy Smith sparkle as the two deceived wives, Mary and Barbara. Burnett tackles the uptight and slightly aggressive Mary, while Smith is the more laidback and sensual Barbara. Both wives only have John's best interests at heart, making it much harder for John to keep the two from finding out about each other.

Much of the humour is owed to the considerable comedic skills of Michael Lamport, who plays John's unemployed upstairs neighbour, Stanley Gardner. The interaction between the two men is wonderfully playful as Stanley reluctantly aids in the snowballing deceitfulness.

Meanwhile, both police officers who are brought into the chaos just want to get to the bottom of things. As Detective Sergeant Troughton, David Talbot impresses with his tailored, efficient, all business style. Anthony Bekenn receives a good share of the laughs with his portrayal of Detective Sergeant Porterhouse.

Aidan deSalaiz creates double the humour in dual roles as the fabulously flamboyant neighbour, Bobby Franklyn, and a pushy newspaper reporter.

The success of this hilarious production hinges on split-second timing, impeccable delivery and rhythmic pacing, and Director Marcia Kash runs a clean race as her cast enters and exits through four different doors at lightning pace.

Joining Kash on the Creative Team is Set Designer David Antscherl, who succeeds in creating two distinct homes with many different doors. Costume Designer Nicole Del Cul has created the perfect attire to capture the personality of each character and Lighting Designer Alex Boxall sets a vivid mood for the outrageous antics that follow.

Run For Your Wife had a highly successful 9 year run in various theatres in London's West End from 1983 to 1991. A film of the play was released in February, 2012.

Run For Your Wife is proudly sponsored by Sketchley Cleaners. Media Sponsors are 570 News, 106.7 Country FM and The Brantford Expositor. The Design Sponsor is E.V.O Kitchen and Rosalind's Lingerie. The 2014 Season Media Sponsor is CTV.

Regular performance tickets are $42.00 for adults; $25.00 for youth under 20 years of age. Groups of 20 or more pay only $34.00 per ticket. HST is applicable to all ticket prices.

Run For Your Wife will keep audiences in stitches now through May 4th at the Dunfield Theatre Cambridge. Tickets may be purchased online at www.dunfieldtheatrecambridge.com, in person at the Dunfield Theatre Cambridge Box Office, by calling (519) 621-8000, or toll free 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).

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