Theater Review: ‘London Assurance’: A Slow Build in This 19th-Century Farce

(L–R) Brian Keane, Caroline Strang, Rachel Pickup, Ian Holcomb, Craig Wesley Divino, and Colin McPhillamy in the Irish Repertory Theatre’s production of “London Assurance.” Carol Rosegg

NEW YORK—The sin of pride leads to more than a few comeuppances in Dion Boucicault’s 19th-century farce “London Assurance.” This chestnut of a show is currently being revived by the Irish Repertory Theatre.

In 1841 London, the wealthy and widowed Sir Harcourt Courtly (Colin McPhillamy) is a poster boy for denial. With thinning hair, being somewhat corpulent in stature, and 63 years of age, he nonetheless sees himself as an attractive ladies’ man; he does not admit to being over the age of 40 “next March.” This is despite the fact that he has a 25-year-old son, Charles (Ian Holcomb), who supposedly is a quiet and studious sort.