A radically new approach from the Fylde Coast Players brought a large, more youthful and very appreciative audience to the Lowther for this play version of Willy Russell's well-crafted examination of the class divisions in society set in Liverpool.
Producer Peter Taylor unfussily conquers all the challenges inherent in any production in the round and the play is constantly enhanced by the nearness of an audience often made uncomfortable by its poignancy.
Sarah-Jane Stone and Rosie Withers ex
cel as a starkly contrasting pair in the lead roles, the one ever hopeful, the other ever neurotic – two experienced actors on top form here.
Tony Lancaster and Derek Winwood as twins Mickey and Edward, blood brothers by birth and then by friendship, choose cleverly contrasting acting styles with Mickey’s physicality perfectly complementing Edward’s subtle understatement. Jo Anderson develops the role of Linda expertly in the second half.
The sense of inevitable doom which you feel from the start is cranked up both by Gary Houghton’s narration and by Sarah-Jane Stone’s ironic commentary in the only musical number ‘Marilyn Monroe’, neatly reprised throughout.
There is outstanding support from Andrew Conway, Stewart Harland and the versatile sextet playing the Johnston kids, whilst lighting, costumes and music all contribute imaginatively to a real eye-opener for a Lowther audience.
The production continues until Saturday.
Julian Wilde
