York Theatre Royal – Friday 5th April 2024
Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
4****
On Friday evening I had the pleasure of watching John Godber’s Bouncers at the York Theatre Royal. The place was buzzing, it was great to see the show was so well attended. I must admit that beforehand I was unaware of Bouncers and John Godber’s work, which isn’t a bad thing, I enjoy watching live theatre “blind”, so I have no preconceived ideas.
The first version of Bouncers was written in 1977 but has evolved since then. Written by the working-class Johne Godber, this play is a story about nightlife for the working class in the 1980’s.
With only four actors on stage, they play bouncers, Lucky Eric (Frazer Hammill), Judd (Nick Figgis), Ralph (Tom Whittaker) and Les (George Reid), at Mr Cinders nightclub. Not only do they portray the bouncer’s perspective of a night out, but four lads and four lasses, all whilst wearing their black dinner suits and bow ties, with only the addition of pink handbags to physically annotate the ladies.
Under the watchful eye of the bouncers, we see and hear the characters they encounter over an evening. Lads have saved up their dole money for a night out. They are rude and crude and all hoping to be lucky at the end of the night. Lasses are primped and primed, ready for a good night out, dancing around their handbags, yes this did happen back then. The cheesy DJ encouraging the outrageous behaviour, and drink throwing inhibitions out the window.
This show is hilarious take on the reality of what went on and still goes on, every weekend across the country. It not only sticks to the niceties, but it is also quite brutal in places, with some serious issues. Hammill as Lucky Eric, hits this home as he makes you stop and think with his time in the spotlight, with four social monologues. He is a tortured soul, missing his cheating wife and kids, jaded by what he sees all around him, he’s had enough.
The show is full of tunes from the 1980’s, my favourite era, I couldn’t help but sing along. The antics of a night out resonated with me, that was my life the latter half of the 80’s. I remember so well the backcombed hair, sticky floors, smarmy DJ’s, just having a good time, not so much the seedier side. The behaviours are still happening today, both good and bad.
This is an excellent ensemble piece with the talented actors. They interact so well together, playing many different characters along the way, switching their roles seamlessly, with a flick of a switch. Full of physical gags and sharp one liners, with some song and dance numbers thrown in. It’s both hilarious and hard hitting at the same time. A must-see piece of theatre.
Touring until the end of April.