Zack, Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.There cannot be many plays in which the hero is a waddling, bearded ne'er-do-well who is dissed by his family and pushed around by all. Harold Brighouse's 1920s comedy Zack (less well known than his earlier Hobson's Choice) has such a figure at its heart.
This gentle revival by Greg Hersov does not attempt to spice up the story. But the production does enjoy the advantage of having Justin Moorhouse, a popular local stand-up, playing Zachariah Munning, an engaging innocent whose docile demeanour has women literally falling into his arms. Trapped into an engagement to Samantha Power's coquettish Martha Wrigley that he's just too nice to oppose, he even has the audience uttering a sympathetic "aw" as he exits, intimidated by her bullying father, Joe (James Quinn).
As is too often the case with this type of farce, however, the set-up is laboured. Polly Hemingway's starchy Mrs Munning spars with a tediously presumptuous parlourmaid as the Munning household prepares for a visit from rich Cousin Virginia. Quite why this sparky young lady, splendidly portrayed by Kelly Price, should consider marriage to the older Munning son, slimy Paul, is never clear. Nor is it conceivable that Mrs Munning would allow a revolting trio of men into her parlour uninvited – and then serve them beer and cheese – as she does here.
The plot brings together two principals – but not the two whom Mrs Munning would prefer. For Zack, it turns out, has a knack. In the family business of wedding planning and provision he charms the guests, bringing much needed warmth. But while he turns out to be the business's biggest asset, he is also its most sought-after groom.
Moorhouse brings a twinkle to a dullish play, and the mime scene between the brothers as one sharpens knives, the other watching hawkishly, is alone worth the ticket.
To 22 January (0161 833 9833)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments