Review: Munaako herra ministeri

HARDWICK SERVES INSANELY GOOD PYTTI PAN

Yes, now it has been proven. A farce can also be made in Finnish theatre. Neil Hardwick’s Dick Mr. Minister, directed by Neil Hardwick for the Helsinki City Theatre, is very close to hitting the spot.

The main attraction of the performance is the teamwork of the two theatre directors. And what a team Esko Roine and Asko Sarkola make!

Roine, in particular, is downright brilliant in the role of Minister Viljanen of the National Coalition Party. His timing is great. At the same time, the figure of the minister remains very realistic, even though it is a caricature.

BORDERING ON EXCESSES

Sarkola is not far behind as the minister’s political secretary. He turns his mama’s son Petäjä into an anti-hero resembling Mr Bean, a real farce character.

The secret of Hardwick’s direction is the show’s brilliant rhythm. The first half of the performance gradually picks up the pace, but the second gear hits the eye immediately.

When the speed is at its extreme, we go close to the limit of excesses a few times, but only slightly.

In addition to Roine and Sarkola, there are many good performances.

Seppo Maijala as the manager of the hotel times his performance perfectly. Antti Litja is a waiter who works more slowly than the rest of the group, whose role balances the frantic rhythm. Miitta Sorvali’s performance as a minister’s wife is completely outrageous.

Hannu Lindholm’s set design also plays an important role, in which the central role is played by a sliding window that constantly slams shut.

(caption: Neil Hardwick’s Dick Mr. Minister, or Political Pot, is very close to hitting the mark of a Finnish farce. Mari Vainio, Esko Roine and Asko Sarkola play brilliant roles in Hardwick’s direction.)