Men Behaving Badly - Barn Theatre, Cirencester REVIEW

Men Behaving Badly at The Barn Theatre, Cirencester, delivers a lively and nostalgic trip back to 90s lad culture, and there’s no doubt the cast are fully committed, bringing plenty of energy and enthusiasm to the stage. For fans of the original, the familiarity alone will raise a few smiles, and the audience response suggests the nostalgia factor is doing a lot of the heavy lifting.

There are a fair number of groan-worthy jokes that don’t land as intended, and while the production leans into physical comedy, that aspect often leaves something to be desired. The humour works best in brief flashes rather than sustained sequences.

The plot also feels thin, even for a relatively short play, and would arguably be better suited to a single television episode rather than a full stage production. As a result, the evening can feel slightly stretched, relying on recognisable characters and memories rather than narrative momentum.

That said, it’s hard not to be won over by the characters thanks to the strength of the performances. The cast’s chemistry and commitment mean you soon find yourself chuckling along despite yourself, even as you’re rolling your eyes occasionally as well.

Overall, it’s a pleasant enough night out driven by nostalgia and solid performances, but the dated humour and lightweight plot stop it from being more than mildly enjoyable.