www.IanBlairWatt.co.uk

Actor, Writer and Comedian

Review of Ian as Dad's Army star John Laurie in
JOHN LAURIE, FRAZER & I
directed by Charlie Chuck
at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2002

(published 5th August 2002) Review by Paul Whitelaw Rating * * * * You remember John Laurie, don't you? Why, of course you do. He was probably on TV last night, grumping and tutting and mugging with hilariously doom-laden portent. Yes, John Laurie was Private Frazer, Dad's Army's very own Cassandra, a character straight out of Greek tragedy teleported unceremoniously to Warmington on Sea, and enjoying his twinkling misanthropy to the hilt. But as this excellent production informs us, this was just Frazer; this wasn't John Laurie at all. Produced and directed by - of all people - Charlie Chuck, this is a touching tribute to both a much-loved character and an underrated performer, a man who became so identified with his final role, few imagined him as anything but. Ian Watt's faultless performance transcends mimicry to offer an intriguing snapshot of the man who was not Frazer, a revered Shakespearean actor and raconteur, a devoted friend, family man and romantic. Back from the grave for a spot of record-straightening. Laurie reminisces engagingly upon his formative years, his performances alongside Gielguid and Olivier, his film roles for Hitchcock and his WWI experiences, the horrors of which stand in stark contrast to the never-never cosiness of Dad's Army. And contrary to popular belief, he never thought the series beneath him; indeed he considered it his pension, a gentle, enjoyable way to see out his life and career. The gossip about cast members Le Mesurier, Lowe et al is charming and never prurient, the depiction of Laurie himself respectful but never hagiographic. An honourable salute. To return to Ian's homepage, CLICK HERE

FEATURE Sunday Times Ecosse OTHER 2002 REVIEWS Edinburgh Guide Dad's Army Society The Stage The Independent OTHER 2001 REVIEWS "Stand Up Scotland"

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