Review of The Seventeenth Valentine

"You can't choose your family" by Rachel Sheridan for remotegoat on 07/02/08

The Seventeenth Valentine
Writer: Russell Mardell
Director: Colin Burden
The Bootleg Theatre Company

Aside from the fact that it is their twentieth wedding anniversary, the night on which we join Sam and Lizette Valentine-Sheldon does not seem to particularly distinguish itself from any other night in this couple's life. However the usual bickering between the pair is interrupted by the arrival of two apparent strangers; Royston and Ronnie Dane. What ensues is a night of revelations and confessions that will change everyone's lives forever.

The Seventeenth Valentine is in many ways your typical situation comedy. All of the action, more or less taking place in the one room as the various characters come and go. However Russell Mardell digs slightly deeper than most as the various revelations work not only for dramatic purposes but also to add depth to what may otherwise be fairly two dimensional characters.

With strong performances from all four leads, Nicholas Lumley was particularly impressive as Sam (almost certainly related to Victor Meldrew). As his character slowly unravelled throughout the night one came to understand why this character is as he is. Lumley skilfully trod that fine line between evoking both sympathy and criticism from the audience.

Whilst very quick witted and certainly funny there were moments when it felt as if you were being bombarded with one-liners. The intention of the comedy was at times lost, as you felt yourself scrambling through a sea of jokes. Had the humour been used more sparingly, perhaps the comic impact of certain scenarios would have been greater.

This said, in a time, where the British sitcom on television certainly seems to have had its heyday, The Seventeenth Valentine avoided feeling dated. No, it didn't break any rules or challenge any conventions in anyway, but it didn't need to. This was character driven humour, exploring the comedy of relationships. Not as simple as it sounds though and for those hoping for a romantic night at the theatre as the title suggests they may find that they get a little bit more than they bargained for.

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