Stage West Revives British Sex Farce with Who's Under Where?
Stage West's latest theatrical offering, Who's Under Where?, boldly embraces the ribald tradition of British sex farces, delivering a production that is both nostalgic and refreshingly entertaining. This new farce, which premiered in February 2026, showcases the talents of some of Calgary's most accomplished actors, ensuring that the comedic stakes are high from the very beginning.
A Talented Ensemble Elevates the Material
The production features a stellar cast including Anna Cummer, Mark Bellamy, Camille Pavlenko, and David Sklar, all of whom bring their considerable skills to this lighthearted comedy of errors. Their presence significantly enhances the play, transforming what could be a simple sex farce into a memorable theatrical experience. The actors work tirelessly to maximize the humor in this silly yet engaging story of mistaken identities and hidden intentions.
Plot Inspired by Classic British Farce
Written by Marcia Kash and Douglas E. Hughes, Who's Under Where? draws clear inspiration from the British sex farces popularized by playwrights like Ray Cooney. The narrative revolves around characters attempting to conceal their true motives, only to find themselves trapped in increasingly absurd and precarious situations. This classic farce structure provides a solid foundation for the play's comedic antics.
The story centers on Anne Pritchard, played by Anna Cummer, and Sybil Brunt, portrayed by Camille Pavlenko, who run a small cottage industry specializing in sexy lingerie. When Italian mogul Bruno Fruferelli, played by Mark Bellamy, expresses interest in investing in their business, the women decide to keep their husbands in the dark until the deal is finalized. They fabricate a story about visiting Anne's mother, but their suspicious husbands follow them to a luxurious hotel, leading to a series of hilarious misunderstandings about infidelity and secret liaisons.
Gender Role Reversals and Comedic Highlights
In a clever twist on traditional British sex farces, which often feature scantily clad women, Kash and Hughes have the male characters stripped down to their basics, generating plenty of laughs. Preston Vendramin shines as a vacuous young model who models Easter Bunny underwear backwards, oblivious to his mistake. His terror when he mistakenly believes the husbands want him for a threesome is both palpable and uproariously funny.
Dave Comeau, as George Blunt, delivers standout moments, particularly when he reluctantly models a matador outfit or wears lingerie with a full beard, embracing the silliness without reservation. David Sklar, playing Anne's lawyer husband, steals scenes with his full drag transformation, commanding the stage with confidence and humor, especially when he must pretend to be a mannequin.
Strong Performances and Vintage Comedy
Mark Bellamy's portrayal of the Italian mogul obsessed with the mannequin adds another layer of vintage sex farce charm, with his impeccable comedic timing and physicality. Costume designer Kiera Gemsa outfits him in attire that may be seasonally inappropriate, but Bellamy wears it with professional flair, eliciting laughs with every strut and gesture.
While the male characters receive many of the play's best comedic bits, Anna Cummer and Camille Pavlenko carry much of the narrative weight, skillfully navigating the farce's complexities. Curtis Sullivan rounds out the cast as a security guard who develops a crush on Comeau's character, adding a touch of classic cross-dressing comedy reminiscent of films like Some Like It Hot.
Overall, Stage West's Who's Under Where? successfully revives the British sex farce genre with a talented cast, clever gender role reversals, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. It's a production that honors its comedic roots while delivering fresh entertainment for Calgary audiences.
