STAN: The Laughs, the Loves, the Life of Stan Laurel

Thu / 14 Nov / 2024

“STAN” by Dave O’ Reilly

THE LAUGHS, THE LOVES, THE LIFE OF STAN LAUREL.

STAN is a biographical comedy drama written by David O’Reilly and directed by Mo O’Connell.

The play focuses on Stan Laurel’s later years as he recollects his life and career, and it centres around the relationship between Stan and his last wife Ida, as they live out their years in a two bed apartment in Santa Monica.

The character of Ollie appears throughout the play although he had died some years earlier. Stan is the only character who can see or hear Ollie, much to the confusion of the other cast members. They recall their lives and careers, their wives, and loves, how they broke into Hollywood and brought them international fame and fortune. Throughout the play Stan is confronted by the past, his failed marriages, the question of pushing Ollie too far on their live tours, causing his health to deteriorate and finally leading his death.

The play explores love, loss, loneliness, fidelity, and most importantly showcases Stan Laurel as a giant of comedy. At his funeral service at Church of the Hills, Buster Keaton said, “Chaplin wasn’t the funniest. I wasn’t the funniest; this man, Stan Laurel was the funniest.”