Cloud 9: A Comedy of Multiple Orgasms

By Elli Davis, January 30, 2010

Cloud 9: A Comedy of Multiple Orgasms

• By: Caryl Churchill
• Directed by: Alisa Palmer
• Panasonic Theatre
• Address: 651 Yonge Street, Toronto,ON
• **** out of 5

Blair Williams and Megan Follows in Act 1
Photo by Cylla von Tiedemann

Originally produced in 1979 in London, this play of two acts is as funny today as it was 30 years ago. Director Alisa Palmer has assembled one of the most talented casts currently performing in Toronto. Her attention to detail adds tremendously to this hilarious farce with explicit sexual over and "under" tones. When an eyebrow is raised it signifies double or even triple entendre.

Act One is set in Africa circa 1895. The Empire is truly Victoria's domain and we are certain that all is well on the earth because the sun will never set on the British Empire. We are not here to enjoy ourselves...we are here for the Empire is a resonant phrase that in various tones repeats itself throughout the act. The cast of characters includes the tallest and most handsome mother in Africa-Betty. She adores her husband, and is adored by her children's Lesbian Governess. Ellen, played by Megan Follows caresses Betty's face both physically and emotionally without become lewd. Miss Follows' passion for Betty is held in typical British reserve adding perfectly to the comic overtones. Evan Buliung as Betty knows exactly how to encourage and refute simultaneously. Ben Carlson lumbers on stage as the servant who finds the Family and friends he is to serve far more savage than the family whence he comes. Can the Empire survive? In this itty bitty part of Africa we discover Miss Churchill's multiple orgasms. Uncle Harry is a suppressed gay. Betty's son Edward adores Uncle Harry and adores his sister's doll almost as much. Blair Williams' Uncle Harry fakes passion for Betty while playing with her son, his nephew. Confused? Wait... the second act is even more fun.

Flash ahead 100 years to London. The conceit here is that the cast of characters returns to the stage, however, only 25 years have passed in their world. To explain that Harry is now Jerry who is the sometimes boyfriend of Edward who has come to grips with the fact that he is gay and that Victoria is a lesbian who really wants to be with Lin who has decided she always was a lesbian and has a daughter named Cathy who is played by David Jansen who was Clive in act one...

Well you get the point. Miss Churchill has woven a synthetic cloak which is both a cover for the characters to shelter themselves in act one when all of the perversities did not amuse the citizens of the Empire. One hundred years later, the Empire is not amusing to its citizens however, the perversities are no longer under cloak. There is no nudity, very little foul language but it is certainly a sexual play.. Very funny...very well performed by everyone. Judith Bowden's sets and costumes let me cold and confused.

If you like Cloud 9, we suggest you check out Serious Money by Caryl Churchill to be produced this summer in the Studio Theatre at the Shaw Festival.

Stephen

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