THEATRE REVIEW: Bouncers at The Liverpool Royal Court Theatre

Bouncers at The Liverpool Royal Court review

Bouncers

Liverpool Royal Court

Aug 31 – September 15

Director: Miriam Mussa 

Writer: Maurice Bessman

Musical Director: Tayo Akimbode

Cast Includes: Mutty Burman, Michael Horsely, Joe Speare, Zain Salim and DJ Spykatcha

Running Time: 2 hrs 10 minutes

Reviewer: Courtney Haddock

RATING: *****

After a hugely successful smash run in the Studio Downstairs, Liverpool based theatre company Boisterous are taking the Royal Court’s main stage in a revamped production of Bouncers. A wild and thoughtful insight into ‘the city at night’ where four bouncers take us on a journey through the recognisable highs and lows of todays nightlife.

Maurice Bessman impressively revamps John Godber’s 1983 classic show Bouncers. Bringing in a 21st century twist on a very relatable club scene addressing binge drinking, gender issues, race and violence, all through fun a light-hearted bundle of characters representing different groups.

The scene is set immediately with a Live DJ (DJ Spykatcha) taking the stage and the bouncers surveying the audience pre-show, the action begins as they run on the stage and completely transform into an array of varying personalities. Nearing the end of the first half we get to see Judd (Mutty Burman), Les (Michael Horsley), Ralph (Zain Salim) and, the one and only Lucky Eric (Joe Speare), known as – The Bouncers. 

Prior to this, the four men adapt several distinctive roles of two separate groups of friends – 4 rowdy lads ready to pull and 4 glammed up scouse birds. The transition of movement and timing between each character is impeccable, all four manage to alter EVERYTHING: their faces, voices, bodies to completely embody their characters all with in an abrupt second. It is impossible to pick out a special mention as they are all flawless! – However, Salim’s scouse girl dancing and overall body movement may just take the cake.

A huge round of applause to Designer (Richard Foxton), Lighting Designer (Ian Scott), and Sound Designer (Kate Harvey) who manage to create an entire array of settings using only four simple boxes and a DJ to create a countless number of memorable scenes. Immersing us into a barber shop, a taxi, a nightclub and a kebab shop… making us believe that we are actually there.

Underneath all the laughs, Lucky Eric acts as the voice of reason providing 3 speeches which address the harmful nature of nightclub culture, all gaining a well-deserved ovation and leaves us a moment to think about the consequences of a typical night on the town.

If you’re looking to reminisce over your piss-up days, ponder over the social commentaries or just have a laugh and some fun then I 100% recommend bouncers as a comedic and lively show, balancing with an important and thoughtful message.

Bouncers is at the Royal Court until September 15.

LIke This Theatre Review? Like Our Facebook Page Chris High Reviews: Theatre