Ying Tong: A Walk With the Goons at The Wilma Theater in Philadelphia, PA

Show Title: Ying Tong: A Walk With the Goons
Theater name: The Wilma Theater
Opened: February 13, 2008
Seen: February 28, 2008
Reviewer: Amy Lewis
Submitted: February 29, 2008

Ying Tong: A Walk With the Goons is a fascinating exploration of the insecurities, jealousies and neurosis affecting Spike Milligan, one of the most influential comedians in British culture. Writing for radio at a time when television was taking off, Milligan and his “Goons” managed to find a place in the heart of British pop culture and influenced the Beatles, Monty Python and numerous other artists as a result.

Unfortunately, with such success comes problems. Milligan was riddled with anxiety to perform and overcome with jealousy as the talented Peter Sellers received more praise and pay for performing Milligan’s words. Factor in a difficult childhood, lack of cultural identity and bipolar disorder and it soon becomes clear why Roy Smiles saw a story ripe for telling in Milligan’s life. Ying Tong is full of the comedy, tragedy and insanity that made the comic such an interesting and indelible character in the British pop cultural landscape.

Wilma’s production of Ying Tong only adds to the power of the piece; the casting, directing and design are all excellent, making for a wonderful evening of theatre that will introduce American audiences to one of Britain’s national treasures. Jiri Zizka’s direction is spot on, capturing the zaniness of the The Goons’ humor yet accentuating the pain and frustration lying beneath the laughter. The show moves along at a quick pace that never leaves the audience in one place for too long – the viewer is taken up, down and in between but leaves on a high with a smile on their face.

The cast of Ying Tong has the difficult task of bringing to life some of Britain’s quintessential comedians who, in turn, brought many characters to life themselves. This requires the cast to wear several hats throughout the evening in rapid succession and they easily rise to the challenge. David Beach as Spike Milligan paints a rich emotional canvas, capturing the highs and lows of the troubled genius. Beach’s performance is subtle yet nuanced, making Milligan’s plight all the more touching.

Steven Beckingham takes on the difficult task of bringing Peter Sellers to life. The master character actor was so gifted at creating new personalities, that he even jokes in the show about making up his own. Beckingham makes each character so distinct and rich with life that they are easily distinguishable through well-considered mannerisms and vocal attributes; there is no ambiguity as to which character he is embodying at any given moment.

Rounding out the cast are Ed Jewett and Colin McPhillamy as Harry Seacombe and Wallace Greenslade, respectively. Like the characters they play, Jewett and McPhillamy bring some grounding to the madcap story of The Goons. Jewett is incredibly endearing and affecting as the loveable Welshman who brought Milligan back to earth when need be. McPhillamy perfectly embodies the stiff upper lip with a comic twist that made Greenslade an indispensable member of the group. His lines are shrewdly delivered with the silly wit that would later influence John Cleese and others in the Python crew.

The other star of the show is the set, which captures the restrained sensibility of the BBC radio stage, the surrealism of Milligan’s descent into madness and the future he would provide to British comedy. Through subtle and clever set pieces and color schemes, David P Gordon’s vision announces itself as the other star of the show and rightfully so.

Fans of British comedy cannot afford to miss Ying Tong: A Walk With the Goons. Shedding light on the past, present and future of the genre, the show is a treat for anyone who has smirked at a Beatles’ film, guffawed at Monty Python or giggled at a Richard Curtis film. Even those less fond of British comedy will walk away from Ying Tong satisfied, though, as, at the heart of it is a fascinating tale of a genius struggling with the breadth of his talent. Fans of British comedy will fall in love with Ying Tong, which is something completely different.