We are standing outside Aunt Robyn’s swanky house. It’s dark, and Gwen is gearing up to throw a rock through Robyn’s window. Charlie prefers Plan A, but seeing as neither one of this power couple can pick the lock, rock it is.
Strapped for cash, Gwen and Charlie are pushed to desperate measures to fund their honeymoon in the Maldives. They know that Aunt Robyn has some expensive treasure, so whilst she’s (hopefully) away in Corfu, they plot to strike.
Who doesn’t love a bit of true crime? How Not to Fund a Honeymoon is a delightfully farcical yet loveable take on a classic break-in story. The play whips along at breakneck speed, consistently punctuated with some fabulous punchlines.
Aunt Robyn is perfectly pitched as our super out-of-touch, sultry, posher-than-posh, catty victim of the couple’s crime. Gwen and Charlie are very convincing as our almost newlyweds, engaging in hushed arguments over who didn’t watch the others’ film suggestions.
At times the dialogue can get chaotic, and with the show running at around 45 minutes, the performers could afford to take their time in certain sections. Alongside the ending which wraps itself up in a hurry, the whole piece leaves you wanting far more.
That said, there are also some opportunities to strip the production back. The set is rather cluttered, littered with evidence boxes which surround a large, intrusive, static door (which never gets opened). With a strong story, and great actors, there is little need for such additions.
There are some proper laugh-out-loud moments, and we can tell that the performers are having as much fun as we are throughout. Overall, it is a jolly good time.
Recommended Drink: A toast! To the happy (thieving?) couple!
You can catch How Not to Fund a Honeymoon at Studio at theSpaceTriplex from Aug 8-16 at 11:05. Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.





