Review by Marissa Burgess

Every one of you probably knows one, and every one you know more than likely shares similar characteristics: Middle class, a bit pathetic, weedy, probably a bit wheezy too… Maybe not, but picking on Tim, the not-so-macho of names, does make for an enjoyably silly basis for The Roaring Boys production. They can, after all, back up their argument– you’ve got your Tim Henmans, Tim Westwood, we’ll throw in Timmy Mallet too. Nuff said.

Anyway, the Tim of the show is out to prove our preconceptions wrong. Together with a little help from his far more macho friend Maxwell Thor (he even has a rakish ‘tache and beard), Tim plans to reveal his inner hero. He recounts how mistakenly saving the lives of a man, a dog and a baby led him to the decision to slay a beastie in order to prove that all Tim’s aren’t wimps.

There’s more than a touch of the Pythons in this quest. Maxwell’s interpretation of Tim’s lady friend Mary Hanflower is certainly of the Terry Jones’ school and all the humour is irreverently absurd.

But although The Roaring Boys would do well to explore their own voice more, this is entertaining and amusing stuff. Particular highlights include a ghostly vision improvised by standing on a chair sporting a white sheet sarong, and a row of wooden sailors that saves on extra actors; all culminating in a rousing conclusion that could bring a tear to your eye. Well if your name’s Tim, anyway.

Review date: 27 Aug 2009
Reviewed by: Marissa Burgess