SPRING HAS SPRUNG AT RICHMOND THEATRE!

APRIL – AUGUST 2024

Though we are firmly in April showers season, Richmond Theatre are delighted to announce the fantastic range of shows which will be keeping audiences entertained in the dry and warm up until sunny August. As the theatre approaches its momentous 125^th birthday in September, audiences will be treated to a range of theatrical delights from gripping dramas and laugh-out-loud comedy to evenings with famous faces and shows suitable for the whole family. Richmond Theatre cannot wait to open its doors to audiences during this very special year.

Following a triumphant week with THE 39 STEPS, the theatre welcomes Kay Mellor’s heartwarming THE SYNDICATE this week (11-13 Apr). The show is making its stage premiere here at Richmond, starring Mellor’s daughter Gaynor Faye alongside Samantha Giles and Brooke Vincent. Due to phenomenal demand in January, DROP THE DEAD DONKEY is back from 18-22 June featuring much of the original cast from the beloved sitcom. If you missed out earlier this year, then now’s your chance to see this acclaimed show!

For those who like their shows with a slice of drama, then don’t miss SLEUTH (13-18 May). Neil McDermott and Todd Boyce star as two men tangled in a web of intrigue and gamesmanship, where nothing is quite as it seems. In July, ACCOLADE (9-13 July) takes to the stage. Step into the vibrant world of London’s intellectual elite, where the price of success is often too high to pay.

For those who want to spend their afternoon or evening laughing out loud, don’t miss the range of stand-up comedy coming to the venue. On 26 May, AL MURRAY brings his show GUV ISLAND to the theatre for two performances, followed by the welcome return of PUNT & DENNIS’ new show WE ARE NOT A ROBOT (31 May). COUNT ARTHUR STRONG continues his farewell tour on 9 June, while JIMMY CARR LAUGHS FUNNY (31 July) is 90 minutes of solid jokes, with an additional late night showing at 21:30.

For West London and Surrey families, Richmond Theatre have two productions guaranteed to be hits with your little ones. PEPPA PIG’S FUN DAY OUT (20-21 April) is a perfect first introduction to theatre featuring everyone’s favourite pig, while the hilarious AWFUL AUNTIE (9-12 May) is a great choice for children who love David Walliams’ books.

If you’re looking to spend time in the presence of those at the height of their discipline, then be sure to take a look at the one-day-only offerings Richmond have coming up this season, including AN EVENING WITH AGGERS (14 Apr), SIMON REEVE: TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH (6 May), RORY STEWART – POLITICS ON THE EDGE (2 June) and AN EVENING WITH CELIA IMRIE (5 July). On 1 June, BBC Two’s flagship book show BETWEEN THE COVERS will be presenting a live version of the show on the Richmond stage, with Kacey Ainsworth, Jo Brand and Stephen Mangan joined by author Joseph O’Connor.

For those who enjoy live music, don’t miss RED SKY AT SUNRISE: LAURIE LEE IN WORDS AND MUSIC (19 May). Actors Anton Lesser (Endeavour) and Charlie Hamblett (Killing Eve) will perform the role of Lee, telling his story through an extraordinary blend of music and Lee’s own words. In August, legendary music group THE DRIFTERS will be playing on the Richmond stage, performing their greatest hits including ‘Saturday Night at the Movies’, ‘Under the Boardwalk’ and many more.

Richmond Theatre is dedicated to making sure people of all ages and abilities can take part in theatre and the arts, and our Creative Learning Department has various classes that are inclusive and fun for all! This currently includes Story-time and Twirling Toddlers sessions for under 5s, as well as monthly dance class Step Into Richmond and monthly acting session Class Act, both for those over 50. Richmond Theatre additionally holds monthly Guided Theatre Tours to allow audience members to learn more about the iconic history of this Grade-II listed venue. For further information regarding workshops and Creative Learning bookings, please contact richmondcl@theambassadors.com

Audiences are reminded that Local Heroes discounts are offered to teachers, care workers, prison officers, armed forces, ‘blue light’ professionals and Max Card holders. Local Heroes are offered 25%* off ticket prices to a wide variety of shows including family favourites, dramas and musicals. If we can make a night at the theatre more affordable for our heroes and their families, it’ll be our pleasure. To find out more, see here.  

NEW WEST END CAST PRODUCTION

PHOTOS RELEASED FOR

THE PLAY THAT

GOES WRONG

AS THEY BEGIN SMASHING IT ON STAGE TONIGHT

As the new cast of The Play That Goes Wrong, the Olivier and Tony Award-winning smash hit running at the Duchess Theatre begin performances tonight (9 April 2024), production photographs by Matt Crockett are released today

The new cast, many of whom are making their West End debuts, are:  Jordan Akkaya as Trevor, Daniel Anthony as Dennis, Joe Bolland as Jonathan, Daniel Fraser as Chris, Billie Hamer as Annie, Owen Jenkins as Robert, Jay Olpin as Max and Hannah Sinclair Robinson as Sandra.  The understudies are:  Alex Bird, Munashe Chirisa, Colm Gleeson, Dumile Sibanda and Alice Stokoe. 

The Play That Goes Wrong opened at the Duchess Theatre in September 2014, and this year celebrates its 10th year in the West End.  The production shows no signs of slowing down since its first performance at The Old Red Lion Theatre with only four paying customers.   Its achievements to date include:

• Whatsonstage Award for Best New Comedy in 2014
• Olivier Award for Best New Comedy in 2015
• Tony Award for the Broadway Transfer
• Performing to over 3.5 million people round the world in every continent except Antarctica.

The Play That Goes Wrong is co-written by Mischief company members Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields and is directed by Mark Bell, with set designs by Nigel Hook, costumes by Roberto Surace, lighting by Ric Mountjoy, original music by Rob Falconer, sound design by Andy Johnson, the Associate Director is Amy Milburn  and the Assistant Director is Anna Marshall. The Play That Goes Wrong is produced in the West End by Kenny Wax Ltd and Stage Presence Ltd.

Further information about Mischief’s The Play that Goes Wrong in the West End 10^th anniversary celebrations will be announced in due course.

STRICTLY CHAMPION ELLIE LEACH TO STAR IN CLUEDO 2 AT DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

Ellie Leach is to star in the world premier UK tour production of Cluedo 2 which will be coming to Darlington Hippodrome in October.

Starring Casualty’s Jason Durr as Colonel Mustard and Ellie Leach – the reigning Strictly Come Dancing champion – as Miss Scarlett, Cluedo 2 is based on the classic Hasbro board game, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year.

Ellie won the hearts of the nation as she waltzed her way to victory (with dance partner Vito) to win the Strictly Come Dancing Glitterball Trophy in December. She is also known to millions of viewers as Faye Windass in Coronation Street. During her 13 years on the soap, Ellie was involved in various memorable storylines and nominated for numerous acting awards.

West End actor and TV favourite Jason Durr was most recently seen as David Hide in BBC One’s Casualty, (a role he played for seven years from 2016), audiences will also recognise Jason from his numerous other roles, including the motorbike riding policeman Mike Bradley from ITV’s hugely popular series, Heartbeat.

Ellie Leach said: “I’ve really enjoyed bringing Miss Scarlett to life on stage. It’s so much fun to perform this iconic character and to see audiences of all ages having such a good time at every show, so I’m really thrilled to be extending the tour.”

Jason Durr said: “I’m delighted to be continuing as Colonel Mustard in Cludeo 2. The audience reaction during our first few weeks of performances has been fantastic and I can’t wait to bring this hilarious whodunnit to many more audiences around the UK.”

The cast is completed by Jack Bennett (Wadsworth), Hannah Boyce (Mrs Peacock), Dawn Buckland (Mrs White), Liam Horrigan (Mr Black), Edward Howells (Professor Plum), Tiwai Muza (PC Silver) and Gabriel Paul (Reverend Green) with Kara Alberts-Turner, Audrey Anderson and Henry Lawes.

Following the huge success of the critically acclaimed original play, Cluedo is back on stage with a brand new, original comedy mystery, set in the swinging 60’s. Written by one of the UK’s most successful TV and stage writing duos, BAFTA Award winning writers Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, (Birds of a Feather, Goodnight Sweetheart and Dreamboats and Petticoats) and directed by Mark Bell (The Play That Goes Wrong, A Comedy About a Bank Robbery), who will bring the action of this hilarious whodunnit to life.

As the bodies pile up, our colourful characters – The Honourable Mrs Emerald Peacock, Colonel Eugene Mustard, ‘Professor’ Alex Plum, Miss Annabel Scarlett, ‘The Reverend’ Hal Green and the housekeeper Mrs White – move from room to room, trying to escape the murderer and survive the night. Cluedo 2, will keep audiences guessing right up to the final moments, and budding detectives of all ages, from 8 to 80 and beyond, can watch for the clues and unravel the secrets, as they try to work out whodunnit… with what… and where!

Cluedo 2 runs at Darlington Hippodrome from Tuesday 8 to Saturday 12 October. For more information or to book visit darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01325 405405.

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until Saturday 13 April 2024

Reviewed by Gemma Gibson

4****

And Then There Were None is quintessential Agatha Christie – a dark and gripping tale filled with death, drama and mystery.

Ten strangers are summoned to the remote Soldier Island, either to work or as a guest, but with the hosts absent and connection to the Devon mainland cut, the reason behind the invitation slowly and scarily becomes clear – none of them will be leaving.

The novel is one of Christie’s most famous crime works so I was very excited to see it transform for the stage at Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre, the final stop on the production’s UK tour.

The first act is slow but sets the scene, introducing each character and a bit about them. With a teacher, judge, doctor and former police officer on the island there is a sense of ease and contentment on stage. When a gramophone starts revealing the secret wrongdoings of each character however, feelings of anxiety, suspicion and distrust become palpable. The story truly begins.

From here the show is thrilling and fast-paced as one-by-one the characters are killed and suspicions are heightened, each death foreshadowed by a nursery rhyme symbol in the dining room.

The dialogue between each character is clever, giving away enough to add a clue to the overall whodunnit, but never enough to prepare for the twists and turns in the second half.

The cast was exceptional in bringing each character to life. Vera Claythorne, played by Nicola May-Taylor on opening night, was magnificent, commanding the stage and, especially in her final moments, leaving the Mayflower audience on the edge of their seats. 

The one-liners and physical theatrics from characters William Blore (Andrew Lancel), Philip Lombard (Joseph Beattie) and Emily Brent (Katy Stephens) added Christie’s well known dark comedy and drama to the show brilliantly.

While every character unique and complex, Doctor Armstrong and Judge Wargrave (Bob Barrett and David Yelland) are essential for the storyline moving forward. Both take these characters on perfectly, combining the professionalism of their occupations with emotions running high.

The set for the show is minimalistic, a transparent curtain moving around the stage to add to suspense and tension. Throughout the show the set starts to unravel becoming more and more messy and unhinged, reflecting the sense of doom and destruction on Soldier Island. 

Directed by Lucy Bailey, this adaptation of And Then There Were None is simple but effective, capturing the complexities of the book and its mystery flawlessly. There are incredible visual moments, and clever character developments and placement, amplified by an experienced and talented cast.

The audience is left guessing right until the very last moment, reminding us once again why Agatha Christie is the Queen of Crime.

LEGENDARY SONGWRITER JOHN PARR CONTRIBUTES “FORGOTTEN” MASTERPIECE TO BRAND-NEW ROCK MUSICAL ETERNAL LOVE

Singer/songwriter John Parr – who wrote and performed the million-selling Eighties hit single St Elmo’s Fire – is among the musical geniuses contributing original rock compositions to the groundbreaking score of brand-new musical theatre spectacular Eternal Love. . .

Eagerly-awaited rock musical Vampires Rock – Eternal Love opens in just nine months, with tickets for its nationwide tour selling fast. And, Grammy-nominated John’s contribution – Everything They Said Was True – will be among 21 original songs featured.

Eternal Love producer/director/performer Steve Steinman (pictured with John), says: “As a result of John Parr coming to see me perform in one of our stage shows, I was kindly gifted the song. It was included on my first, number one album Leap of Faith, and subsequently released as a single – topping the Amazon Rock and iTunes charts in its own right.

Promo video of John Parr’s composition Everything They Said Was True, performed by Steve Steinman: https://youtu.be/Zv2ZbQLipHE?si=fLovUMgcEtZb2yLe

Like all other numbers included in the Eternal Love score, Everything They Said Was True is a song with a story to tell: dealing with the angst of a troubled relationship.

“John wrote the song with Meat Loaf way back in 1982,” says Steve. “He was staying at Meat Loaf’s home at the time.

“It’s an incredible song, but its roots are firmly in the Seventies guitar rock era. For a time in the Eighties, rock music transformed to a more synthesizer and drum machine-led format, and for that reason, Everything They Said Was True was overlooked, and was never recorded.”

When John met Steve backstage at the Hull Arena, Steve had just embarked on his own recording career. Subsequently, Steinman has taken six singles and two albums to the top of the Amazon Music and iTunes charts.

“John was very complimentary about my debut single Leap of Faith, and agreed to allow me to record Everything They Said Was True,” says Steve. “He said it deserved to be heard, and encouraged me to ‘go and get it out there’.

“Which I did – and I took it to the top of the charts!

Steve says that he is thrilled to include the song in the score for Eternal Love – the third tranche of the madly popular Vampires Rock trilogy: “Featuring a completely original script and score, Everything They Said Was True features along with 20 other truly superb, equally authentic rock numbers, written by composers boasting incredible songwriting pedigree.”

Among the esteemed songwriters contributing to the rock musical’s score are Steve Womack and Steve Etherington.

Steve Womack has written songs for many well-known recording artists, most recently contributing several songs for Bonnie Tyler’s latest album, including a duet with Cliff Richard. Bonnie says of Steve’s songwriting: “the magic I hear from my favourite Bruce (Springsteen) and Rod (Stewart) songs.”

While Steve Etherington has featured in chart-topping groups and co-written the music for two hit musicals previously.

“Importantly, all the songs performed in Eternal Love feature the art of storytelling,” says Steve Steinman. “They’re all outstanding songs in their own right and won’t have to rely on the musical for their popularity.”

Two thirds of the score is comprised of numbers from Steve’s two albums. The remainder is made up from brand-new songs, specifically written for the musical.

“They’re all in the can, composed and ready to go,” he says.

Eternal Love promises production values to match any West End spectacular, a cast of 20 supremely talented performers, choreography and costumes of the very highest calibre, and that score.

It confidently bills itself as ‘the first rock musical championing an original score since the Rocky Horror Show’.

“Eternal Love: The Musical establishes a brand-new vision for the genre of musical theatre,” says Steve.

“In addition to possessing everything you’d expect from a West End musical, on occasions it unashamedly breaks the fourth wall, ensuring that the fast-paced humour – which has earnt the Vampires Rock franchise its cult following – persists.”

To borrow from the famed lyrics of Saint Elmo’s Fire, Steve Steinman is a man in motion, a man who can see a new horizon for the future of rock musicals, a man set to be flying higher and higher.

Thirty-five performances are already on sale for the UK tour of Eternal Love: The Musical. Tickets are available from: EternalLoveTheMusical.com

Side Bar

Songwriter Supreme John Parr

As well as penning the title track to blockbuster Brat Pack movie St Elmo’s Fire, taking the song to number one in America’s Billboard Chart, John has many famous film score compositions to his name. . .

He wrote the lead song to hit film Three Men and a Baby – a song titled The Minute I Saw You

Classic Arnold Schwarzenegger film Running Man features John’s single Restless Heart, co-written with Harold Faltermeyer

The lyrics of St Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion) were written to honour Canadian athlete Rick Hansen, who journeyed around the word in his wheelchair to raise spinal cord injury awareness.

The video for the St Elmo’s Fire single featured John along with the Brat Pack cast of the film. It was recorded in just 24 hours – John needed to be back in the UK the next day!

On Saturday 6 April 2024, MAMMA MIA! celebrated its 25th anniversary, only the third musical in the history of the West End to do so.  The cast were joined by Björn Ulvaeus, Judy Craymer (creator and producer), Catherine Johnson (book writer), Anthony van Laast (choreographer), Siobhan McCarthy (original Donna), Lisa Stokke (original Sophie) and guests Zoe Ball and daughter Nelly, Lesley Nicol, Giles Martin (record producer, songwriter & son of George Martin) and daughters, David Joseph (Chair & CEO of Universal Music UK), John Kennedy (entertainment lawyer and former Chair & CEO of Universal UK), Nick Allott, Issy van Randwyck, Anneka Rice, Nina Nannar, Jane Moore, Andrew Pierce, Amanda Platell, Paul Gambaccini, Jemma Redgrave and Simon Slater.

The London production stars Mazz Murray as Donna, Kate Graham as Tanya, Nicola-Dawn Brook as Rosie, Haydn Oakley as Sam, Christopher Dickins as Harry, Stephen Beckett as Bill, Stevie Doc as Sophie, Tobias Turley as Sky, Jessie Odeleye as Ali, Olivia Brookes as Lisa, Chay Wills as Eddie and Arcangelo Ciulla as Pepper, with Natalie Langston playing Donna at certain performances.

Photo credit: Piers Allardyce.

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED TO PLAY ALONGSIDE TV COMEDY ROYALTY VICKI PEPPERDINE, KIELL SMITH-BYNOE AND DAN SKINNER IN A BRAND-NEW PRODUCTION OF GOGOL’S SATIRICAL MASTERPIECE

NEWLY ANNOUNCED CAST MEMBERS INCLUDE THE DURRELLS’ ANNA SAVVA AND DOCTOR WHO’S DAN STARKEY

OPENING AT THE MARYLEBONE THEATRE

3 MAY – 15 JUNE 2024

 TICKETS ON SALE NOW HERE

The full cast has today been announced for the brand-new adaptation of Nikolai Gogol’s satirical masterpiece, THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR, premiering at the Marylebone Theatre from 3 May – 15 June 2024, with a press night on Wednesday 8 May.

“There’s no money in honesty!”
A comedy about hypocrites, hysterics and hustlers.

As previously announced, the production will star TV comedy royalty Vicki Pepperdine (Poor Things, Getting On, Dear Joan and Jericha) as Mrs Swashprattle alongside Kiell Smith-Bynoe (Ghosts, Stath Lets Flats, Taskmaster, Man Like Mobeen) as Percy Fopdoodle and Dan Skinner (Shooting Stars, This Time with Alan Partridge, The Kennedys) as Governor Swashprattle.

The full cast announced today are Peter Clements (The Incident Room – New Diorama Theatre, Frau Monde: Farewell to the Theatre – Hackney Showroom) as ‘Ivan Brabble’, Chaya Gupta (Hansel and Gretel – Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, We’ll Have Nun Of It – Edinburgh Fringe & The Other Palace) as ‘Miss Swashprattle’, David Hartley (Macbeth & Henry VI – Shakespeare’s Globe, Measure for Measure – Shakespeare’s Globe & US Tour) as ‘Reverand Jargogle’, Nigel Hastings (And Then Come The Night Jars – Theatre503, UK Tours and Film Adaptation, Dmitry – Marylebone Theatre) as ‘Dr Mumpsimus’, Christopher Hunter (Mr Selfridge – ITV, Romeo and Juliet – Royal Shakespeare Company) as ‘Postmaster Cumberworld’, Daniel Millar (The Pillowman & The Play That Goes Wrong – West End, King Lear & Frankenstein – National Theatre) as ‘Fudgel’, Anna Savva (The Durrells – ITV, Henry VIII – Shakespeare’s Globe) as ‘Judge Woofit’, Dan Starkey (Doctor Who – BBC, Class Dismissed & Wizards vs. Aliens – CBBC) as ‘Ivan Grubble’ and Alison Ward (NewsRevue – Canal Café Theatre, Big Field – BBC3) as ‘Cyril/Marigold’.

This hilarious new adaptation sets the action in a small parochial town in late 19^th century Britain, where the corrupt local officials mistake an over-privileged, vainglorious liar, who just happens to be passing through the town, for a high-ranking government inspector. Desperate to cover up their crimes and escape censure, the town’s Governor and his cronies pull out all the stops to try and bribe this dishonest buffoon with money, wine and women.

Vicki Pepperdine said, “I’m looking forward to getting to grips with Patrick’s great new adaptation of this classic tale, full of subterfuge, flirtation and plenty of jokes about government corruption!”

Kiell Smith Bynoe said, “Very excited to be back on the stage in this hilarious adaptation. Can’t wait to get in front of an audience and misbehave.”

Dan Skinner said, “The Government Inspector is an absolute classic and there has never been a better time than now to retell this story of corrupt councillors, vanity and opportunism. As well as being a story for our times, it’s also very funny and I can’t wait to get stuck in!”

The Government Inspector has cemented its reputation as one of the greatest comedies in world literature and ensured that wherever a corrupt and hypocritical government is in power, this play finds its way to the stage.

The Government Inspector is adapted and directed by Patrick Myles, with set and costume design by Melanie Jane Brookes, lighting design by Ric Mountjoy, sound design by Jamie Lu, and casting consultancy by Matilda James.

Hope Mill Theatre announces the return of rock musical LIZZIE to Manchester for a strictly limited 3 week run this Autumn

Thursday 17^th October to Sunday 10^th Nov 2024

Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester

Tickets on sale now for the general run

With an exclusive Halloween Gala Night for the fans on

Thursday 31^st Oct 7:30pm (on sale 4^th August 2024)

Hope Mill Theatre has announced the return of its hit production of rock musical LIZZIE in Manchester this October for a strictly limited 3-week run.

The show will run at Hope Mill Theatre from Thursday 17^th October to Sunday 10^th November 2024.

LIZZIE explores the life of Lizzie Borden, who was accused of murdering her father and stepmother with an axe in the late summer of 1892.

The rock musical, which premiered on Broadway in 2009, delves into Lizzie’s complex psyche and speculates on the motivations she may have had: loss of inheritance, history of sexual abuse, oppression, and madness.

Lizzie, along with her older sister Emma, maid Bridget, and neighbour Alice, bring to life the infamous story supported on stage by an all-female band.

Lizzie is Rage! Sex! Betrayal! Bloody Murder!

Casting to be announced.

Lizzie The Musical will be directed and choreographed by William Whelton, and has music by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer and Alan Stevens Hewitt, lyrics by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer and Tim Maner and a book by Tim Maner.

William Whelton said: “After such a successful run of LIZZIE The Musical last autumn in Manchester and across the UK including a run at London’s Southwark Playhouse ELEPHANT I am thrilled to bring LIZZIE back home to Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre, where the show was rehearsed and created, for a strictly limited run this Autumn. Audiences across the UK fell in love with this show just as much as I have and I can’t wait to share this again with fans of the show and welcoming even more new audiences into The House of Borden. The show will run over Halloween this Autumn which is the perfect time of year and we are planning a very special performance on the 31^st October, full of surprises for the fans, tickets for this one off night will go on sale on the 4^th of August 2024 exactly 131 years since the murders took place’’  

LIZZIE has swung her axe in over 60 cities, in 6 countries, in 5 languages, across 4 continents and has been honoured with dozens of awards including 8 Best Musical Awards! (and she’s still swinging…)

Music by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer and Alan Stevens Hewitt

Lyrics by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer and Tim Maner

Book by Tim Maner

Additional Music by Tim Maner

Additional Lyrics by Alan Stevens Hewitt

Based on an original concept by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer and Tim Maner

Orchestrations by Alan Stevens Hewit

Produced by Hope Mill Theatre, Director/Choreographer William Whelton, Set and Lighting Design Andrew Exeter, Sound Designer Adam Fisher, Musical Supervision Katy Richardson, Video Designer Dan Light, Dialect Coach Manny Crooks, Costume Designer Rachel Tansey, Associate Choreographer Yandass Ndlovu and Casting by Pearson Casting CDG CDA CSA.

LIZZIE is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC. (www.broadwaylicensing.com).

LISTINGS

Lizzie the Musical

Hope Mill Theatre Manchester

Thursday 17^th October to Sunday 10^th Nov 2024

To book visit: https://hopemilltheatre.co.uk/event/lizzie/

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.

Leicester Square Theatre – until Saturday 6th April 2024

Reviewed by Fiona Leyman

5*****

American Comedian, Reginald D Hunter has been working the comedy circuit in the UK for over 21 years. Travelling to the UK in 1997, he agreed to a dare, to perform his first comedy set, and has now become one of the UK’s most popular comedians. Hailed “Stand-Up’s Coolest Customer”, Hunter is a fan favourite on stage, but he also has had regular appearances on hit tv shows such as Have I Got News For You, 8 out of 10 Cats and the coveted Live at the Apollo. As many know, appearing on stage at Live at the Apollo is dream most comedians have, but not all can achieve.

His newest UK Tour, The Man Who Could See Through Shit has been touring since October 2023. Hunter himself has admitted this show is a “work in progress” so he can prepare himself for The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which he will be appearing at again this August. His own mother is the inspiration for the title of the show, with her saying “It is easy to see through shit. The hard part is pretending you haven’t”. Hating to admit, Hunter confirms there nothing further from the truth.

A Gifted story teller, Hunter is able to keep audiences engaged, with sides splitting at every punchline. Comedians like Hunter are not “jokey joke” comedians like his “Sperm” (his 21-year-old daughter) wanted him to be. Instead, he will take you through a journey of past stories which end in very amusing punchlines. He does not require the instant roar of laughter throughout the set, instead his stories could be 1-2 minutes long, then the punchline hits and the audience erupt with laughter and can be heard throughout the theatre.

However, not all were laughing. Hunter can be controversial at times, and could offend with the language he uses, but in this day and age, comedians are here to shock, to say the things we all think, but are too scared to say. With the world the way it is right now, there was no doubt that certain subjects would be hot topic in a comedic set. Israel, The Royal Family, Politics, Religion are just some of the subjects covered. Some found these subjects offensive, but it makes you wonder why people choose to see a comedian if they are easily offended right? Personally, we laughed throughout his set, especially visualising Queen Camilla as a “Ghetto Girl” because I understand these are jokes, and not a personal dig.

A huge highlight of the night was warm-up act Irish Comedian Al Porter. A polar opposite to Hunter comedic style, Porter stories were absolutely hilarious throughout the entire set. Porter’s style of comedy is short, snappy stories with punchlines coming one after the other. Loveably camp, and most jokes about his early life in Ireland or very extensive love life, we both had tears rolling down our faces. He was a very pleasant surprise for the evening because warm up acts can be hit or miss.

All in all, there was a mixed response to Hunter but, knowing what type of comedian he was before I set foot in the theatre, his language, his stories did not offend or have me cringing in my seat. Comedians do what they do to make people laugh and Hunter is a gifted comedian and manages this every time.