The Fulham Jesus

Barons Court Theatre

Stuart Simpson

At first, it is as if someone has decided to bring a BBC sitcom to the stage. Sally (Virginia Hatton) is trying to find a missing sculpture of Jesus, which was previously on display outside a Fulham pub. She is given the classic BBC one-liner of 'I'm looking for Jesus', while making enquiries. Facing an hour and a half of this felt a little daunting.

Fortunately Fulham Jesus is much better than 2.4 Children, although I'm certain all of the cast will end up in such a programme soon, if they haven't been in one already. Reading their biographies is like reading the guest list to a 'Casualty-walk on' Reunion Party.

There are a few things going on with the production that keep these one-liners in check, and provide for an enjoyable evening. Fulham Jesus on one level deals with the kind of middle-class soul-searching that drives people to trek around Thailand with little more than a change of underwear and a postponed job offer in the City to keep them going. Sally's husband Martin (Glen Supple) exemplifies the consumer culture; his only concession to the fact that the 80s are over seems to be that he has put his red braces back in the drawer. While Sally, having been put on indefinite sick leave, is still on her endless search for something more meaningful than Armani and BMWs.

Sally's obsession with the spiritual welfare of the people of Fulham is used for a few laughs and at times is highly entertaining. But Fulham Jesus is more of a chance for the Barons Court's catchment area to enjoy a laugh at themselves than anything more satirical. The only drawback is that for those who aren't from the catchment area a leap of faith is needed to take the plot of Fulham Jesus seriously. On balance this is not really a problem, but at times it does become an effort.

Fortunately, and to the credit of all involved, Fulham Jesus never pretends to be a satire on the mores of Fulham. The heart of the story is simple and believable. While Sally goes bonkers, her husband and her best friend fall in love.

All things considered, while Fulham Jesus is by no means the cutting edge of London Fringe Theatre, it is an enjoyable comedy, well-written (excepting the occasional cheap gag), well-directed and well-acted. And to be fair to the cast, their stints as Villain No.3 in The Bill have clearly added to their professionalism rather than taken away from their talent.

Till 15 Feb 2003.