In turn of the twentieth century Germany, Louise and Theo Markes, a conservative couple have their entire existence shattered when Louise’s bloomers fall down in public when watching the King’s parade. Theo flies into a panic thinking the incident will cost him his job as a government clerk. Louise’s momentary display does not result in the feared scandal, but it does attract two infatuated men, each of whom wants to rent the spare room in the Markes’ home…

I don’t want to give too much away about this play.  We are in the very capable hands of the original wild and crazy guy Steve Martin; the pace is fast and the dialogue is zany with plenty of double entendres. The style/tone is absurdist.

It was good to watch a fanciful, laugh out loud comedy.  The team of actors – Beth Daly, Ben Gerrard, Robin Goldsworthy,, Tony Taylor, Duncan Fellows and Gabrielle Scawthorn – whip up a sumptuous comic feast under the direction of Anthony Gooley. 

Annie Gardiner’s set and costume designs were very effective as was Benjamin Brockman’s lighting design.

A Sugary Rum production in conjunction with the Seymour Centre,  Steve Martin’s THE UNDERPANTS, adapted from a Carl Sternheim play,  is playing the Reginald Theatre at the Seymour Centre until Saturday 23 November, 2019. If you need  a good laugh look no further.