Review: Pappas pojkar

HUMOROUS LIGHTWEIGHT

Playwright Simon Mendes da Costa, who was present at the premiere of “Daddy’s Boys” at the Lilla Teatern in Helsinki, declares that theatre should primarily be entertaining, something his “Daddy’s Boys” definitely is.

Personally, I appreciate plays that touch you deeply. And this comedy doesn’t, despite the fact that the show touches on big and difficult issues such as love and infidelity, death and inheritance disputes.

“Losing Louis” is about two brothers who meet for the first time in ten years at their father’s funeral.
Alternately we look at the present and flashbacks to the boys’ childhood. The father who leaves with the young tenant while the wife is heavily pregnant, and the five-year-old who comes on the trail of the secret. The tenant who, in turn, gets married and has children, but cannot free himself from his left-wing rustle. The spurned wife who loses a lot, but gets what she wants in the end.

The situation breeds bitterness between the brothers, and when they see each other again, ten years after their mother’s death, old grudges blossom into full bloom. Their respective spouses further exacerbate competition and inheritance disputes.
In Lillan’s version, the roles are played by a bunch of equally strong actors.


Sampo Sarkola plays the hypocritical father who can’t keep his fingers off Edith Holmström’s cute party girl. Maria Lundström is the despised wife.


Sixten “The Caveman” Lundberg makes a humorous portrait of the jealous older brother, a real loser. Little brother – a delicious Nicke Lignell – is his exact opposite.

The elegant wife of the successful little brother is played by Mia Hafrén , while Pia Runnakko plays the slightly pathetic sister-in-law. Runnakko once again gets to show her forefeet as the incredible comedienne she is with her phenomenal mimicry.
Another humorous dimension is given to the play by the cultural clashes between religions – the mother is a Christian and the father is Jewish.

The play is recommended for anyone in need of a good laugh.