3/5 stars

City Varieties Music Hall

January 22

www.redladder.co.uk

 

Red Ladder Theatre Company’s musical comedy set in 1960’s Liverpool sets itself up to be a light-hearted and amusing production, complete with live music and catchy tunes. However, some jokes fall flat and it takes a while for the production to warm up.

The story centres on the McDermott family, and the family dynamic helps the show to address both personal and social issues arising during that time, including strike action, the emergence of new music and sexual liberation for women. However, these issues are not so much addressed as more briefly touched on. Although this is a comedy, there was a need for a more sombre moment of reflection.

As a whole, the small cast of six all give memorable performances: the characters all play to stereotypes and this adds to the comedy of the production. Particular praise should go to Lisa Howard (Jean) and Kyla Goodey (Mona): both play their parts brilliantly and sing impressively. The use of a live band onstage is fantastic, and this is one of the best aspects of the production.

The breaking of the fourth wall is quite a risky move made by this production, with the audience being encouraged to join in with some songs and answer back to the characters. Sometimes this works well, while other times it is less effective. In fact, the funniest moments were those that were ad-libbed by the cast, such as their moving through the audience before the opening, and the jokes made as the audience came back into the auditorium after the interval.

This is a production that makes fun of itself and gives into the silly; for some this is ideal viewing, while for others this is something they may be uncomfortable with. Although the production is performed well, it is one to watch with a big group of people that can all laugh together.

 

Alice Rafter