Rugger Review's big bang theory

“Once a year we do something that is totally politically incorrect. We offend every group of people. It is done with madness, the traditional tomfoolery inherent in Rugby culture across the world. Once a year I leave my social, cultural, correct sensibilities at the door and I walk onto stage with the boys…” That is actor Rahul Bose describing the Rugger Review — a unique medley of skits, song and dance, satire, madness that is being staged at the Bombay Gymkhana this Friday and Sunday.

The Review attempts to capture Mumbai’s myriad avatars — its madness, its mayhem, its bonhomie despite extremes, in an uplifting 90-minute performance where members of the elite, more than 100-year-old club go up on stage and perform — both professional actors and amateurs. In Rahul’s words, it comprises “variety entertainment, slapstick comedy… a lot like a university act.”

As an entity it also hearkens to an age-old tradition (peaking in the ’60’s and ’70’s), where the Rugby section of the club — players’ wives, girlfriends, supporters — used to come together during Rugger season and perform: an event that was musical, theatrical, bawdy enough to laugh at each other, more importantly, themselves.

This year’s Review is being revived after a gap of more than four years — late theatre veteran Hosi Vasunia had handled it way back in 2004. Taking part now, are funnymen and actors who view it as a chance to unwind, primarily.

 “It’s a mixed bag, even the audience will be involved,” reveals actor and funnyman Cyrus Broacha, then tongue-in-cheek, “and with Kunal (Vijaykar), Rahul (Bose), Jugal (Hansraj) etc… you know the standards we set…so low that the tickets are priced really low!”

“The script comes out of all kinds of bad jokes, many of them in-house, sent to us by members of the club,” explains actor Kunal Vijaykar. “And the rehearsals are a joke. But I liken it to the Commonwealth Games — terrible before it started, but once it begins, it will more than go the distance!”

Though Kunal and Cyrus have performed at the Review before, this year will be actor Jugal Hansraj’s first time. “There’s so much talent around. I’m looking forward to the madness,” he laughs.

So which vignettes of the city are up for laughs? “Let’s put it this way — I’m playing a female news anchor,” remarks Rahul, dryly, “And the picture says it all.”