Local Secrets called the show “Tremendous, and full-on funny” praising the principals, ensemble and the musical numbers as “a joy to behold”

Read the full review here:

https://www.localsecrets.com/ezine.cfm?ezineid=6038~dirty-rotten-scoundrels-funny-+theatre-and-shows

Meanwhile the official NODA review by Julie Petrucci called the show “Festival Players at the peak of their form”  – the full review follows:

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Festival Players
ADC Theatre Cambridge
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is a prime example of how a well-known film can translate so
well to the stage in the form of musical theatre. With great songs, loveable rogue
characters and a clever plot, Festival Players took this show to their heart.
Director STUART SADLER, Musical Director JAMES HARVEY and Choreographer KIRSTY SMITH are individually exceptionally talented. Together they made a fantastic team. The
audience saw clearly the fruits of their talents throughout the evening
The production design team of STUART SADLER, ANDREW FEATHERSTONE and JONATHAN SPRIGGS produced admirable sets with other scenery flown in or rolled on by an efficient PENGUIN CLUB stage crew.

The costumes, of which there were many, by LIZ MILWAY added colour and style.
Backstage costume changes must have been pretty frantic. The lighting, designed by
JAMES WRIGHT, sometimes timed with finger snaps from one of the lead characters,
was well thought through although there were odd spots across the front of the apron
not well lit. However, some of the cast appeared aware of this and imperceptibly
adjusted their position. The 14-piece orchestra, set stage left above the action were
throughout quite exceptional. Only once did the underscoring start to overcome the
dialogue but this was swiftly adjusted. Likewise early radio-mic feedback problems
were nipped in the bud. Nicely controlled NICK HALL.
The Ensemble was kept busy with the Director and Choreographer using them at
every perceived opportunity. They added to rather than distracted from the action
thus giving the show real impact visually. Some of them had a few lines but all
created individual and identifiable characters which now and again were used to add a
soupçon of humour.
There are no well-known numbers in the show, but the music is catchy enough and
well sung by both the principals and the Ensemble. There was some fine harmonising
from offstage too.
Principally the show is a five-hander therefore much depends on the quality of the
leading quintet and there was not a weak character amongst them.
In an impeccable performance WARREN CLARK as Lawrence, really was the suave,
womaniser that was required of the script. He has a terrific singing voice and great
stage presence.
SIMON YOUNG playing Freddy, gave a positively brilliant interpretation of the character.
Great facial expressions, super singing voice and well acted. His Freddy was a great
foil for Lawrence and what can one say about Ruprecht? That scene was absolutely
priceless.
They were joined by GEORGINA SKINNER playing Christine Colgate with verve and
panache. I liked her almost gauche approach as she gave a very accomplished performance. Great voice too.
I loved RICHARD SCARR as Lawrence’s friend, police Inspector, Andre Thibault which he
played with style and with a great sense of fun. He was a good contrast to the smooth
Lawrence and the enthusiastic Freddy and later came into his own when his romance
blossomed with Muriel. A fine performance .
I very much enjoyed too EMILY REDFARN’s portrayal of Muriel. Although her accent
wavered a bit she delivered her songs well, and achieved an almost naive feeling to
the woman who was basically being taken to the cleaners!! I thought the scene with
Andre was excellent – showing a different side to them both!
Another plus was a delightful cameo from JESSICA CORBETT making her Festival Players
debut as Jolene and she did it full justice. Oklahoma went down a storm with the
Ensemble joining in vocally and energetically with some great line dancing.
This slick production skipped along with much humour and, at times, almost slapstick
comedy. Full of performances which wouldn’t disgrace a West End show and, with
another seven performances to go, I suspect tickets are going to become veritable
gold dust.
This is Festival Players at the pinnacle of their form.
Julie Petrucci
Regional Representative, NODA East District Four South.