Four at play... again

Coryse Borg talks to some of the actors and directors taking part in Even More FourPlay and finds out that the third edition of this satirical show may be the funniest one yet.

The Basss Driver, Defsa Garuana Malizia... these are characters that people are still talking about after they featured in the satirical show More FourPlay held almost three years ago.

And now, those people who need their FourPlay fix are in for a treat as Even More FourPlay debuts at the University Theatre this month, poking fun at the personalities and issues that make up Maltese news – politics, sex, music or, of course, public transport. Characters from past editions together will be back; with a couple of new ones who will give their hilarious take on Malta today.

As usual, the collection of hilarious sketches and musical numbers will be played at breakneck speed by just four actors – Alan Montanaro, Alan Paris, Louiselle Vassallo and Isabel Warrington.

The sketches have been written and developed by Alan Montanaro, James Calvert, Malcolm Galea and Denise Mulholland, while the show is being directed by Wesley Ellul, Herman Grech, Chiara Hyzler and Denise Mulholland. Choreography is by Emma Loftus. Funnyman Montanaro says that two previous editions of FourPlay had set the bar pretty high for local comedy and satire, and that is a challenge in itself – one which, he believes, they will overcome nicely.

“I consider FourPlay to be my baby… I never expected it to grow into the beautiful monster it is today. I think our main challenge is to keep the different characters distinctly separate – and that can be a bit of a challenge when the change needs to be done in fifth gear. Also, all the four actors will be impersonating a known personality or three so there is a certain amount of research that goes into the part – and the information isn’t always easily accessible.

“Having said that, everybody chips in with constructive advice to ensure that what we perform is credible. And hilarious,” he smiles. “If anything, shows like FourPlay remind us that it is fine to laugh at the quirks and foibles of the Maltese way of life.

“If laughter really is the best medicine, audiences will be taking an entire course in one night,” he says, “FourPlay is a variety show that combines lively musical numbers with rip-roaring comedy sketches. It’s the kind of show that people remember and speak about long after the final curtain comes down.”

Ms Mulholland says that the whole process of the show is really a collaboration; they start by reading the sketches, discussing them and then editing, cutting or extending as a team – this way they can really “tailor” the sketches to fit the actors.

“For me one of the highlights (without giving too much away) has been learning so much about Maltese music – now I find myself singing away, usually at traffic lights – getting strange looks from other drivers as they listen to me murder the Maltese language,” she laughs.

Director Wesley Ellul says that working on Even More FourPlay is like starring in a “survival gameshow”.

“Take four hilarious limelight loving actors, give them a script and watch them rip each other apart with some of the sharpest wit know to man!” he says.

And actress Ms Warrington says that all the actors certainly have their work cut out for them as they change (fast) from one character to the other and try to keep it consistent throughout the sketch.

According to Mr Grech, apart from a guaranteed laugh every 10 seconds, people should watch it because they’re likely to know, hate, love or associate with the characters being played on stage:

“If I had to describe the evening in one sentence, I would say: ‘Think of your favourite comedy series. Now play on top speed’. That’s us.”

Even More FourPlay is rated 16.

• Even More FourPlay is being staged by DnA Theatre Productions at Sir Temi Zammit Hall, University of Malta on October 14-16 and 21-23 at 8 p.m. Tickets may be obtained by phone on 9960 4500, online: www.ticketline.com.mt or from Cabouxon, Spinola Bay, St Julians.