Rating: ***
The hype surrounding this play, for me, didn’t fully live up to expectations. The 80s classic TV programme promised to be back with a Scouse twist; however, it was such a tenuous link that bore little-to-no relevance to the original programme.
The casting, in the main, was superb. Sterling performances were delivered by Lyn Francis (Renee), the down-to-earth matriarch who was equally as hilarious, with many well-timed one-liners, as she was loving of her family. Equally brilliant was the super-talented Vicky Entwistle (Marigold), who was as desperately grasping of her husband’s money as she was so haughtily arrogant and snobbishly supercilious.
However, such poor acting from Jasmine Herrington (Ellie-May) and the very wooden, lacking in any stage presence, Reiss Barber (Gavin) unfortunately, due to the small cast, detracted significantly from the proceedings and overall performance of the play. Herrington, in particular, was so over-eager to deliver her lines that she would often talk over other actors and kept nodding and overly grinning away before other actors delivered their lines, giving away the sequence of the plot. This should have been ironed out during rehearsals or simply recast. Sadly, both Herrington and Barber wouldn’t have achieved a grade 9 in a GCSE drama exam – as an English lecturer (day job) – I am fully aware of the nuances of the specification, let alone be cast in a professional play. Highly disappointing!
Writer Barbara Phillips clearly demonstrated that we should all be careful what we wish for as ‘money does not bring you happiness’ with this comedy. It highlights how people treat you when a ‘life-changing’ lottery is won. The grass might be greener but the gardener is terribly expensive. As a stand-alone new play, this was good; however, considering the marketed hype with the TV programme, it fell short as our expectations were high.
The scenery and revolving set design were impressive and in keeping with the play. It seamlessly moved, allowing for a quick transition between scenes.
If you are looking for a light-hearted night of entertainment, the show runs until 22nd June (age advisory 14+ due to strong language). Tickets can be purchased directly from the box office to…
Come listen to a story ’bout a man named Jed, Found it really hard to keep a roof over his head. Then one day he escaped from being poor When the lottery machine spat out six of his balls.
Jed, Lisa, Ellie-May and mother-in-law Renee aren’t used to being rich. They were always rich in spirit and all that, but now they’re proper rich. Like-big house in Formby rich. Jed has got the rags-to-riches gang together and loaded up the van; it’s time to get out of Netherley and into something more befitting of a family with serious wedge. It’s goodbye to a brick outhouse and hello to a beautifully appointed gatehouse. The only problem is that the riches-to-rags neighbours aren’t so keen…
Cast: Reiss Barber, Paul Duckworth, Charlie De ‘Ath, Vicky Entwistle, Lyn Francis, Jasmine Herrington, and Sarah White. Written by: Barbara Phillips Directed by: Deborah Yhip Designed by: Alfie Heywood Musical Director: Howard Gray Lighting Design: Doug Kuhrt Sound Design: Kate Harvey AV Design: Jamie Jenkin
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The Broken Spine is a poetry and arts collective proudly published on the coastal edge of North-West England. Founded in 2019 by Alan Parry and Paul Robert Mullen – two school friends reunited after twenty years through a mutual love of poetry.
