REVIEW: Bouncers at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham
Four northern lads (Terry, Jerry, Baz and Kev), four northern lasses (Elaine, Rosie, Maureen and Susie) and four northern bouncers (Lucky Eric, Judd, Les and Ralph) - throw in a couple of scousers, a couple of yuppies and a cheesy DJ and the result is a cocktail of side-splitting comedy polished to perfection. Bouncers is performed by four talented actors (Robert Hudson, Adrian Hood, Frazer Hammill and Chris Hannon) who all bring their superb versatility in portraying the various characters in this hilarious comedy.
John Godber's 'Bouncers', is a fast paced, hi-octane story set in the 1980’s. It follows the lads and lasses (complete with their handbags) on a typical night out, from the preparation of hair and hygiene (a tad questionable), the copious alcohol consumption, right through to the taxi ride home. We won’t say much more about their antics, but rest assured, a great night out lies ahead for them (and us). The four bouncers, typical of the time, talk about life in general, their stories, tales of pugilistic glory, and other enlightening anecdotes, although Lucky Eric brings us back to earth with a few darker stories of life as a bouncer.
The slick, transition of characters was so convincing that at times I actually believed there were more than just the four actors in the production – all fitting and acting their roles with perfection and superb versatility. A retro soundtrack of 80’s classics bolstered the performance with some well-timed and hip choreographed moves.
If you go to see Bouncers (which we thoroughly and without any hesitation recommend) then watch out for a few scenes that had the whole audience in tears of laughter, including the Gents toilets, a certain Scandinavian nature documentary and a pizza eating experience down a side alley!
This is a comedy which can really only be enjoyed to its max on a theatre stage. The Everyman Theatre saw the opening night of the 2015 tour from the Theatre Royal Wakefield, which finishes in Scarborough in May. Bouncers continues at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham until Saturday 24 January. The remaining tickets are selling fast we’ve been told, but with a couple of matinee shows, there’s no excuse not to go.
As we left still chuckling away, a teenager behind us commented to her friend, “that was brilliant’, which is great to hear as all ages (young adults upwards!) will appreciate the quality of Bouncers. For those of us of a certain age who were lucky (unlucky) to go clubbing in this era will relate to the stereotypical 1980’s nightlife perhaps a bit more – Asti Spumanti for a clean matching pair of underwear spring to mind?
Explore Gloucestershire
22 January 2015
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