Here we go again

Groundhog Day The Old Vic This pacey yet profound tale of a weather man caught in a time warp, provides great entertainment with its latest incarnation at the Old Vic. The story is based on a script by Danny Rubin for the 1993 film, Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murray, as the cynical weatherman. The drama has music and lyrics from Tim Minchin and direction from Matthew Warchus. The brilliant Andy Karl returns to the role of weatherman, Phil Connors, which he played in the first run at the Old Vic in 2016. Karl is magnificently supported by Tanisha Spring as TV producer Rita. The arrogant weatherman arrives in the small town of Punxsutawny for Groundhog Day - 2 February, when the little animal's behaviour predicts the coming weather Connors dismissive behaviour of a variety of characters, from a homeless man to an old school friend, leaves him increasingly alienated. Rita notably recalls how "they told me he was an asshole and he is." Connor also has a cavalier attitude to the opposite sex , treating all with contempt. The result of this behaviour is that Connors get stuck in the town, condemned to repeat the same actions each day. The comedic value here is immediate as Karl's character comes to repeat the other characters lines with them. The energy in this show is breathtaking, with the sets so slickly fitting together. Andy Karl must be a very fit man to be able to carry off the part, sprinting across the stage as one scene moves to another. At one point, he is on one side of the set, then suddenly back in the anchor bed scene. The audience are left open mouthed, wondering how did he do that? Underpinning the story is the idea of redemption. Connor reaches the end of his wits, unable to move out of the time warp. Despite a number of efforts to end it all, he finally comes to see the path to redemption which is to become a decent human being. When he does and makes recompense for past behaviour his life begins to turn around. A very simple moral in a zany story, namely if you are decent to other people, they will most likely return the sentiment. The music and fast, witty dialogue make this an enjoyable watch. Spring's "If I had my time again" song is a particularly memorable number. The skill of all involved in this production is in producing a rip roaring comedic musical, yet also carrying a serious underlying moral message The focus on TV anchorman ofcourse also makes the timing of the production particularly apt, given controversies around breakfast TV celebs etc at the moment. Highly recommend - very entertaining watch for all generations. * Groundhog Day runs till 19 August Published - Morning Star