>> HUMPHRY DAVY + HUMOUR = LAUGHING GAS
Nick Darke’s final play is meeting gleeful reception across the county. Beccy Matthews finds out why.
This captivating new comedy appears to have the potent effect of Humphry Davy’s gaseous discovery itself. Charting the rise of one of Cornwall’s most famous sons, Laughing Gas delighted audiences just a stone’s throw from Davy’s birthplace at the Acorn Theatre in Penzance.
Laughing Gas marks both a beginning and an end. Although the debut theatre production of Cornish-based company, o-region, Laughing Gas is the final project of Cornish playwright, Nick Darke, who was writing the script upon his recent death. Completed by Carl Grose and directed by Simon Harvey, the result is a fitting tribute to the talent and humour of Darke, one of the UK’s most renowned playwrights.
Humphry Davy’s inspirational rise from his humble Cornish beginnings is set against a fascinating period in British history: while revolution simmers on the streets, the great minds are consumed by the pursuit of scientific discovery and literary creation.
Fresh from Penzance and trout in pocket, Davy arrives at the Royal Institute to deliver a make-or-break lecture that could earn him a place in the history books. Our Cornish hero races against time to solve the formula of the Voltaic Pile as the esteemed guests flock to his highly anticipated lecture and revolutionaries and royalists clash on the streets outside.
His chances of success grow ever slimmer with the arrival of his friends, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and the consumptive Gregory Watt, desperate to try out Davy’s new invention, laughing gas. These elements combine to produce a thoroughly entertaining riot of a show, sparking countless eruptions of laughter from the audience.
Carl Grose makes a wonderful Humphry Davy; exhibiting that Cornish accent we know and love, he infuses the ambitious character with charm and humour as he desperately tries to tackle the rising mayhem. Similarly faultless, Ben Faulks gives superbly comical takes on both Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Dr. Garnett, his flamboyant mannerisms confirming his spellbinding stage presence.
Charlie Barnecut treats the audience to arresting performances as Count von Rumford and Dr. Priestly. Arran Hawkins gives a spirited portrayal of Gregory Watt and William Payne, while Helen Barford impresses in the diverse roles of housekeeper Mrs Bryant and elocutionist Jane Marcet.
While serving as testament to local acting talent and the accomplishments of o-region, Laughing Gas is foremost a celebration of two Cornish legacies: as well as that of Humphry Davy, it also stands as an inspired commemoration of the life of Nick Darke and his wonderful works that will entertain generations to come.
Inhale some Laughing Gas on
the following dates in October:
1st Tolmen Centre, Constantine
4th Bodmin Community College
6th Treviglas College, Newquay
8th Grampound School
12th Brannel School
13th Gillingham School
14th Powerstock Hut
15th Buckland Newton Village Hall
18th-19th Burrell Theatre, Truro School
20th Wadebridge Town Hall
22nd Falmouth Arts Centre