The classic farce Ilmasta raha premieres on the big stage at the request of the audience
The bulletin was updated on 16.2.2024 for the performers of the play.
One of the most beloved plays by farce master Michael Cooney, Money from the Air will have its long-awaited premiere on the big stage of the Helsinki City Theatre on 15 February. The farce, which contains exceptionally fast plot twists and surprising misunderstandings, is directed by Sari Siikander. The main roles are played by Janne Kataja and Pekka Strang.
Mikko Laine (Pekka Strang) has been fired from his job years ago, but as an inventive man, he has found a new way to earn money by cheating the social authorities out of various benefits. Tons of subsidies are paid to fake people and the money ends up in Mikko’s pockets. One day, a Kela inspector arrives for a surprise visit, and the structure, which has worked well for years, threatens to collapse in one fell swoop. Mikko also drags his friend Otto Pelli (Janne Kataja) into the lie, and the friends create an ever-thickening soup of explanations with their explanations. At the same time, more uninvited guests start pouring into Mikko’s apartment, each of whom complicates the situation even more.
“The guarantor of a successful farce is, above all, a skilled ensemble, and this work really does have it. Making a farce is precise work, and rehearsing requires countless repetitions to make the performance easy to look and seamless. In today’s world, we need joy and laughter to clear our heads of everyday things. Laughter also has a healing effect, and I once read that seven minutes of laughter is equivalent to a two-week holiday. As a director, I welcome the audience on holiday to the theatre!”, says director Sari Siikander.
Cash On Delivery is the best-known theatrical farce by English playwright Michael Cooney and premiered in London in 1996. This true farce classic offers exceptionally fast plot twists, surprising misunderstandings and a fair amount of famous door slamming.
In addition to Janne Kataja and Pekka Strang, other top comedians will also be seen on stage: Helena Haaranen, Heidi Herala, Pekka Huotari, Kai Lähdesmäki, Jari Pehkonen, Raili Raitala, Sanna Saarijärvi and Emilia Sinisalo.
The play is directed by Sari Siikander. The set design is by Antti Mattila, the costumes by Elina Vättö and the camouflage by Jutta Kainulainen. The lighting design is by Toni Haaranen and the sound design by Samuli Peltonen. The play has been translated into Finnish by Reita Lounatvuori and the dramaturg of the work is Ari-Pekka Lahti.
Ilmasta raha premiere on 15.2.2024 on the big stage of the Helsinki City Theatre (Eläintarhantie 5).
Tickets: basic ticket €49, student ticket €24.50 (Mon-Thu) and pensioner ticket €46 (Mon-Thu)
#ilmastarahaa @hktfi
Helsinki City Theatre’s ticket sales and customer service by phone (09) 394022 Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ticket offices First line 2, Mon-Fri 12-17, Eläintarhantie 5, Sat (on performance days) 11-18 and one hour before the performance and Lippu.fi, Mon-Sat 9-21, Sun 10-18, tel. 0600 900 900 (2 €/min + local network charge) www.hkt.fi
In the photo: Pekka Strang and Janne Kataja. Photographer: Janne Mikkilä.
Further information, media ticket reservations and interview requests:
Kaisa Pelkonen, Communications Manager, kaisa.pelkonen@hkt.fi, 040 552 3788
Helsinki City Theatre, Ensi linja 2, 00530 Helsinki