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A Tale of an
everyday, desperate Scousewife with a musical past.
Another sell
out crowd. Fans of Brick Up The Mersey Tunnels and Lost
Soul prove that they want more of the same and the theatre
is clearly on a rock ‘n’ roll.
Written and
directed by theatrical stalwart Bob Eaton with an energetic
ensemble cast, you simply can't go wrong when the audience
are ready to join in the fun – even if there are
plenty of political observations to make along the way.
It is set in
the Liverpool of 1985 and Molly Eldon (Sonia) is leading
a gutsy fight to save the street where she was brought
up which is heading for demolition.
The campaigners
await the decision but they need money for a campaign
so enter a benefit night featuring Molly's band from the
60s here fronted by Ronnie Angel ( Davy Edge).
And cue a trip
down another street – musical memory lane.
Nobody does
this type of show better than the team in this production.
Sonia, with
a very sharp sense of timing in the acting scenes, also
belts out a succession of hits. She is aided by the multi-versatile
and ever-reliable Eithne Brown in a variety of costume
changes from mini skirts to playing a crabby old pensioner.
With the Court's
programme there is a real sense of keeping the theatrical
dream alive of making this rejuvenated place a local theatre
for local people to watch quality productions.
Roy Brandon,
is great in his numerous roles of councillor Eddie Clark,
a vicar, a grumpy teacher and belligerent schoolboy, but
when he picks up the saxophone he soars just like that
other brilliant on stage musician and actor Andrew Schofield
on guitar.
The action
in flashback centres on the benefit concert with songs
including Shakin’ All Over, Twist And Shout, Stand
By Me and It's In His Kiss and there's a nod to the 80s
in Dolly Parton's Nine-To-Five.
Carl Chase
is like an Alf Garnett stereotype with plenty of outrageous
comments, and there are many, from Thatcher to the Falklands
and The Sun.
It is a musical
that pays tribute to the Liverpool communities who stick
together.
Sonia, who
provides a rousing version of Lulu's Shout! at the finale
sparkles throughout.
This is a living,
breathing jukebox of a show.
Peter
Grant
Liverpool
Echo - October 9th 2007 |
