Behind The Scenes: DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS Press Launch!

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is the inaugural production for the new collaboration between Jerry Mitchell and the Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG), with a cast is comprised of Tony and BAFTA award winning Robert Lindsay (Me and My Girl), Rufus Hound (One Man Two Guvnors), Katherine Kingsley (A Midsummer Night's Dream) and Samantha Bond (Amy's View).

Mitchell introduced the production to raucous applause and genuine enthusiasm from the all the cast members, who were clearly keen to showcase their hard work, and treated the viewing members of the press to four numbers from the show.

The first was an original version of the number 'Give 'Em What They Want'. Lindsay's timeless stage presence was immediately felt, with his effortless dance movements allowing him to glide around the performance space. He reminded the audience that this was a rehearsal when he failed to catch his hat on his foot. However, ever the professional, you could not be sure this was a mistake during his short performance as cheeky fraudster Lawrence Jameson.

The second number introduced the audience to Rufus Hound's character Freddy Benson. His song 'Great Big Stuff' was a lively and comical number. Considering Hound has had no stage training, he did not look out of place. However, it was the chorus that really stood out in this performance. Each displaying the highest levels of discipline and concentration at all times, even when the focus was not on them. It really highlighted that, despite the blank canvas of this rehearsal room, these people were truly worthy of the West End stage.

In her musical debut Samantha Bond provided us with some steamy on0stage chemistry with co-star John Marquez. Her performance 'Like Zis/Like Zat' was a much slower paced number but proved just as engaging and a positive change from the previous larger numbers.

The final performance from Katherine Kingsley filled the rehearsal space with a stage presence fitting of her millionaire heiress character. Even without a microphone the tone of her voice was flawless.

The bare bones of the rehearsal promise much excitement that the help of scenery, costumes and a proper stage can only add to. The foundations are definitely there, making Dirty Rotten Scoundrels certainly 'One to Watch'.

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