The Beaux Stratagem, National Theatre ****

To me, Renaissance Comedy seems the biggest oxymoron imaginable. Theatre companies often deflect to slapstick to bleed some humour out of a largely humourless text. However, there is no other way to describe the experience of the National's Beaux Stratagem than as thoroughly entertaining. Samuel Barnett, Geoffrey Streatfield lead a wonderful cast as the Beaux who search to retain their post wealth by marrying rich women, portrayed delightfully by Susannah Fielding and Pippa Bennett- Warner. These roles are played extremely well and doesn't feel overplayed. This is true to the whole production. It looks to the text for humour rather than masking it with something that seems artificial. Lizzie Clachan's set is quite simple yet beautiful  and gives the Olivier an unaturaly homely and comfortable feeling, in stark contrast from normal programming in this space. Pierce Quigley, as always, is eye wateringly funny as the servant Scrub in a dry and unexploited presentation of this well written role. This toned down production is thanks to Godwin's great direction whilst Michael Bruce provides some perfect music and songs to set this quaint atmosphere. The programme also notes as Patrick Marber assisting Godwin with the dramaturgy. I still have no idea what a dramaturg is but I'm sure he did a very good job at it. The play is not the typical Restoration Comedy which does both the cast and the audience a service in providing a great comedic and intelligent event.