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The first thing to mention about Mam! I’m ‘Ere! – running until August 1st at The Liverpool Royal Court – is that it is possibly the shiniest, brightest feel good comedy musical you are likely to see this year.
The story may be familiar, but with gender reversal as far as paternity goes, but what transpires is so cleverly written and directed by Royal Court acting stalwart Stephen Fletcher, it has become such a multi-layered fun-fest of a production it is impossible not to get swept up in the atmosphere that builds and builds amongst the audience, as the music rolls out in waves while the cast throw their obvious love for what they are doing into every move, twist and body shape they are asked to perform.
As for the set, well, once again The Royal Court team, headed by Mark Walters, deserve to be praised to the hilt given that the simplicity of the aesthetic, yet the intricacy of the whole device, adds another layer to proceedings that in lesser hands might well be absent. From the off we know we are in 1970s-style caravan park on its uppers and, somewhat perversely, also want to book in for a weekend away.
To a man and woman, the cast are quite superb. Andrew Schofield returns to the Court and, as site owner Dave, is 100% bang on form, revelling in the part at every turn and giving the audience exactly what they want. Helen Carter as the vampish Julie shows what an exquisite talent she is – even out of a bear suit – and that, boy, she can certainly sing, as can the fabulous Rachel Rae as bride-to-be Julie.
Keddy Sutton as the scatty Mandy is an absolute joy to watch, as ever, Eithne Browne is typically brilliant, Paul Duckworth is dazzling and Michael Fletcher – particularly when he sings – shows that talent is inherent in the family.
And as if this weren’t enough, there is the glamour provided by Jamie and Hayley Hampson, as well as the marvellous vocals they supply, along with the excellent live quartet playing at the back of the stage.
Yet as hilarious and gifted as these all are, there is one stand out moment that is a certainty to have the audience crying and aching with laughter; moment provided by the invaluable Alan Stocks who, once more, following his lead role in Night Collar recently, underlines why it is he is such a firm favourite amongst Liverpool audiences in general and Royal Court audiences in particular.
Crammed with one liners, some of which that hit home seconds after they are recounted so making them all the funnier, Mam! I’m ‘Ere! is superb entertainment, a guaranteed good time and a night nobody is likely to forget in a hurry.
Mam! I’m ‘Ere!
The Liverpool Royal Court Theatre
June 26 – August 1
Writer / Director: Stephen Fletcher
Producer: Royal Court Theatre
Cast Includes: Andrew Schofield, Eithne Browne, Helen Carter, Paul Duckworth, Keddy Sutton, Alan Stocks, Rachel Rae, Michael Fletcher, Jamie Hampson, Hayley Hampson
Running Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
PR Rating: ***** Brilliant Sunshine Fun