Rumors by Neil Simon
Arden Theatre
15th – 18th July 2026
Neil Simon’s play “Rumors” is billed as a “farce” – a particular type of comedy that features “exaggerated situations, improbable events and ridiculously improbable circumstances.” If you enjoy a good laugh (and who doesn’t?), then you’ll love The Arden Theatre’s presentation of this fast-paced, hilarious and sophisticated comedy.
Back in my dim, distant days at drama school, one of the first things I learned was that “Drama is easy – Comedy is hard!” Well, if that’s true, you wouldn’t know it from watching the cast of “Rumors” romp through a sparkling, next-to-perfect rendition of Neil Simon’s masterpiece! Honestly – it’s that good! The pacing, delivery and staging were creative, full of fresh ideas (some interesting casting too!) The timing was spot-on – the pace never flagged as one improbable situation led to another, even more improbable, “solution”.
As usual, the technical aspects of this Arden production went off without flaw: gunshots were heard when they were supposed to be, cars approached the (off-stage) driveway on cue, and the handling of the fast and frantic phone calls was immaculately timed! (well-done team!) The costume department clothed the characters beautifully, from cocktail party guests to intruding policemen. In fact, the whole performance led to a delightful evening, to which the audience responded with gales of laughter!
As usual, the Arden performance of “Rumors” was the result of carefully executed teamwork by the entire cast, but if there was one stand-out moment, I’d have to say it was Lenny’s amazing monologue towards the end. I didn’t time it – but it went on forever! – flawlessly delivered by actor Matt Platt, and greeted with enthusiastic laughter and a round of applause from the audience.
It was a climactic end to a hilarious evening!
Postscript: The Arden is to be commended for its annual full season of six plays each year, often including plays that are “demanding” (read “thought-provoking”) for the audience. This production of “Rumors” was like a breath of “fresh air” – it was frothy, sophisticated and an outright good laugh! Now that the company has proven it can present lighter fare with such technical skill and aplomb, let’s hope that they will continue to search out and include plays that land on the lighter side of theatre, as well as more weighty works of literary merit. They do both so well!
– Elizabeth Bergstone