COMEDY chaos comes to Limelight Theatre this October in a show for lovers of old-fashioned farce.

Written by veteran playwright Ray Cooney and his son Michael, Tom, Dick and Harry is the story of Tom Kerwood and his wife trying to adopt a baby – but their attempts to impress a busybody social worker are jeopardised by Tom’s useless brothers Dick and Harry.

Their antics involve illegal immigrants, the Russian mafia and local police, as well as a dead body they plan on selling to a medical school.

“Throw a few Croatian stowaways into the mix and you have the makings of a hilarious evening,” director Bob Mainwaring says.

“It’s a bit of change to have a farce which is not a ‘trouser-dropping comedy’, so to speak.

“I was attracted to the integrity of the writers and their commitment to giving a balanced mix of visual and verbal humour in everyday situations.”

Involved in professional and community theatre for 65 years, Mainwaring has directed and performed in a veritable plethora of productions across a range of styles.

Over the past 18 years, he has scored three award hat-tricks at Limelight Theatre, picking up best actor in a major role, best director and best set (design and construction) three times each.

With Tom, Dick and Harry – which has appeared in London’s West End – Mainwaring believes his main challenge is the timing.

“The key is orchestrating it effectively during fast-moving action, matched with the smooth use of special effects and a fairly large cast on stage at any one time,” he said.

“Farce is a challenge in many ways because pace and timing are vital to carry the plot before the audience catches on to just how daft it may be.

“Luckily, we have a very experienced cast with a couple of newcomers to the theatre.”

Tom, Dick and Harry plays at 8pm October 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18. Tickets are $21, $18 concession and $16 children – book on 9571 8591 between 9am and midday, Monday to Friday, or at www.limelighttheatre.com.

Limelight Theatre is located on Civic Drive, Wanneroo.