Review: Brick Up 2 – The Wrath of Ann Twacky

They say if the first one is a hit; don’t do a second!

That can be said for many sequels both in film and theatre but I have to say it certainly doesn’t apply to this stage show.  The writers (Dave Kirby and Nicky Allt) have spent the last 10 years saying no to a sequel but in the end what the public demanded they got!  The familiar characters returned to the Royal Court with all the swagger and confidence they left with all those years ago.

The Royal Court Theatre has become the Mecca of scouse comedy plays over the years with the same ‘rep company’ of actors delivering high quality shows, full of local jokes and quips, that only people living in and around the area can associate.   That can often limit the audience attraction but again not in this case as fans continue to flock to see this sequel.

This show centred on Ann Twacky, played by the wonderful Eithne Browne, who time after time, delivers lines perfectly, each syllable, in every word, tuned to give the maximum impact.  She is able to swap between posh Wirral to scouse with ease.  She has a great singing voice for the theatre and owns the stage.  Eithne had one or two issues with a wig on stage but that just added to the comic value, as she was finally defeated by the wig! Ann Twacky’s nemesis is Dickie Lewis, played by the ever popular Andrew Schofield.  ‘Drew’ has been a popular actor as far back as I can remember (Scully being a highlight of my youth).  He has a delivery of lines that is rarely seen in comedy, just a pause before the line gives the audience the anticipation that this could be great, and he never disappoints.  His ‘Bin Laddin’ song, written by him I believe, was a definite highlight of the show and made me check my own shed when I got home! Dickie’s gang consisted of Gerard Gardiner, played by Paul Duckworth.  This is the second time I had seen Paul at the Royal Court.  He has a great voice for the theatre and is a perfect partner for ‘Drew’.  To finish the trio is Nick Walton (Carl Chase).  His deep voice and laugh is instantly recognisable and narrates part of the story with ease.  The ever suffering husband of Ann Twacky is Dennis (Roy Brandon).  However, in this sequel he has become a beer drinking, gangster imitating, adopted scouser.  To finalise the main cast is the talented Suzanne Collins.  She plays Maggie or Margaret if you live on the Wirral.  Maggie exchanges the scouse café for a ‘better’ life on the other side of the Mersey.  Suzanne trades a scouse accent for a more affluent accent you would find with someone with a Cheshire postcode.  She has a beautiful singing voice and superbly plays opposite Gerard Gardiner as the romantic angle in the show. 

The supporting cast, lead by the hysterical Liz Card (Francis Tucker, who also plays the drums in the show), give fantastic performances.  Francis looks awkward in a dress but that is the point of his character, a sex driven Wirral ‘Lady’.  His scene behind the café worktop with Dickie Lewis is hysterical and I’m sure Dickie adds a few lines in just to spice up the scene!

As soon as I went in to the Theatre I felt part of a family and the cast continued that feeling, coming out afterwards to talk to the audience.  A superb show that I’m sure will return and maybe, just maybe, in a couple of years we will be watching Brick Up 3! 

My Secret Valentine

My secret valentine

Say you will be mine

And we can walk hand in hand

Your smile I always miss

You lips I long to kiss

Together we can head to another land

They way you softly talk

Elegance as you walk

We can travel the world together

My heart skips a beat

Make my life complete

This new chapter will last forever

Time is now on our side

You’ll make the perfect bride

Our future is there for everyone to see

Let one become two

Happiness you are due

All you have to do is say yes to me

The Fight

I will fight for today

So I can live for tomorrow

I’ll always keep laughing

For I don’t need any sorrow

This illness inside keeps attacking my body

Everyday and every night

But I won’t give in

Because I don’t want to lose this fight

Trying to go on as normal

Going a much slower pace

Walk around town quietly

With a simple smile on my face

People walk past not knowing my position

Say hello and say goodbye

They go on their way

Inside I just want to break down and cry

Now another day over

I sit on my lonely chair

Thinking about the past

And the people who showed me care

I’m fighting for them and fighting for the future

Helping to find a cure

So I won’t give in

For my love for life is pure

Dream Girl

(Tune:  I only want to be with you)

I see your name or hear you voice and I go weak

If you’re not around me then my life is bleak

Cos’ you’ve got something that I need

If I don’t see your face (then) my heart will bleed

You’re the only girl I see

But unfortunately you don’t see me

I didn’t sleep a wink last night because of you

You’re in my dreams every night but what shall I do?

You’ve got me going out of my mind

I never knew that love like this could be so unkind

You’re the only girl I see

But unfortunately you don’t see me

We’ve only really met about once or twice

But in that quick moment I thought you were nice

You had a smile that caught my eye

I fell in love instantly I’m not going to lie

You’re the only girl I see

But unfortunately you don’t see me

You’ve got me thinking of you everyday and night

Some say it’s too much but I say it’s a delight

We could have something money can’t buy

Let’s end speculation and give it a try

You’re the only girl I see

Now hopefully you will see me

The Note

I have tried to tell you face to face

But had to write it down

I’m sat here in our favourite place

On the outskirts of town

Children are playing, having some fun

I’m watching as I write

Smiling because of the shining sun

It soon will be tonight

When reading my note, imagine my voice

It’s filled with love and care

Together with you is not a choice

A soul that we must share

It starts with your name and a gentle kiss

Sharing my feelings with you

My thoughts I didn’t want you to miss

This love is certainly true

Reminiscing about trips we had

Holding hands on the beach

Midnight stroll, people thought we were mad

You were never out of reach

The smile you gave me on that moon lit night

Was always in my heart

Instantly I knew that you were right

My love was ready to start

Every time I look in to your eyes

I’m lost in a new place

I’ll never cheat and I’ll tell no lies

For you, I can’t replace

Ending my note with yours forever

Will tell you how I feel

For me, we should always be together

Love will always be real

I thank my lucky stars every day

That you are in my life

‘I will’ is all I need you to say

Soon you will be my wife

I’m Rich

I’m rich because of the family I have

I’m rich because of the friends in my life

I’m rich because of the children I teach

I’m rich because of the people I work with

I’m rich because of the adventures I’ve had

I’m rich because of the strangers I’ve met

I’m rich because of the acting I’ve done

I’m rich because of the god children I love

I’m rich because of the opportunities I’ve had

Next year I hope to be richer 

Snow White

Venue:  Liverpool Empire

It was that time of the year (On no it wasn’t) when I headed off to watch the pantomime at the Liverpool Empire.  The stage was set, the band struck up their first notes and we were underway.  Bursting on to the stage was the evil Queen played superbly by Leanne Campbell.  This was not the first time I had seen Leanne in panto but it was the first time as a ‘baddie’.  She played it with all the grace you would expect from a panto veteran (Sorry Leanne).  Her voice was very posh (Like someone from Heswall) when she was being nice but it soon changed to the Walton girl accent we are more familiar with, and it worked to great effect.  Special mention for he singing voice – truly wonderful and I would pay just to listen to Leanne singing!

Coming back to the Liverpool Empire was the ever reliable and funny Liam Mellor playing Muddles.  People think what Liam does with an audience is easy but I can tell you it certainly isn’t.  He is becoming a firm favourite in the North West for his roles as a simple character.  I personally think he is better when he adlibs a bit, especially with the children he has on stage.  I think he could have caused more mischief in this panto with a bit more slapstick and ‘micky taking’ out of the other cast members but maybe that’s just my naughtiness coming out.

Georgie Porter entertained us as Snow White and danced her way around the stage with ease.  Stephen Fletcher was charming as the prince (see what I did there) and has a much better singing voice that I thought he had, although I knew it was good just didn’t realise how good!  The wicked Queen’s side kick, Herman the henchman (Not sure of real name, although this could be it!) was a delight and really played his role fantastically, especially when trying to get the audience to shout when he was trying to kill Snow White. 

Of course there was a special appearance from out very own Peter Price, who was the mirror on the wall.  We did miss him messing up his lines a little as I think this adds to the performance. 

The set design was magnificent and very sparkly, which you would expect.  The choreography was very good and all the dancers performed it with smiles and confidence.  The writing was very good as there was enough innuendo to keep the adults entertained and that’s what pantomime is all about.

All in all it was another professional performance by the cast.  There were some great moments in the show – Muddles getting his super soaker out and wetting everyone in the stalls was a definite highlight (Now there’s a line I never thought I’d write).

 I personally would have liked to have seen a few more ‘mess ups’ as I think this adds to pantomime performances and a bit more slap stick.  I would still recommend that you go along and support his show and boo and cheer as much as you can.

The Star

Venue:  Liverpool Playhouse Theatre

As soon as I walked in to this old theatre, I fell in love with it all over again.  There is something magic in small theatres that you can’t seem to find in larger venues such as arenas.  The beautiful red velvet curtain draped the stage and a sense of nostalgia flowed. 

Michael Starke (The Chairman) was perfect for this leading role.  An actor, who is at ease in front of an audience, delivered the intended poor jokes and puns with perfect comedic timing, even though he was obviously struggling with his voice (I believe he has been unwell but the show must go on) it didn’t stop him giving a great performance.  Michael was backed up by the superb Eithne Brown.  I have seen her in many productions over the years and I love he wit and put downs to the audience, making the audience feel part of the show.  If the audience are hesitant to participate, Eithne encourages them with what I can only describe as ‘scouse charm’.  Michelle Butterly I hadn’t come across before but gave an excellent performance and used some ‘scouse’ put downs superbly, adding a local twang to her voice.  Her singing was excellent, as was her interaction with the audience, which some actors find difficult to do.

Kevin Harvey was the surprise performer for me in the show.  Some actors, when asked to play a drunk, over compensate and get it completely wrong.  For me, Kevin played it as it should have been played.  He reminded me of a young Don Warrington of Rising Damp fame.  Danny O’Brien was great in the many failed attempts at entertaining us, although still not sure how the magic trick was done! Jack Rigby and Helen Carter played the young love interest in the show. Both had very good singing voices and Helen’s solo towards the end was delightful.  I would like to see both of these actors in other shows as I think they have more to offer.

The show was a throw back to all the wonderful music hall acts that have now sadly gone and we are left with the fame hungry generation, who want instant success.  A reference in the show to Britain’s Got Talent wasn’t wasted.  There were many local places of interest that were mentioned throughout and at one point we thought the theatre was going to be closed down for, as the Chairman put it, ye olde Poundland!

I didn’t really know what to expect from this show and sat there throughout laughing at the lines thrown at us and the situations being farcically played out on stage.  I would recommend everyone to go and see this show and support a great cast and well written script.  This star will certainly continue to shine bright.  

Scouse: A comedy of terrors

Venue:  Central Hall (Renshaw Street)

I’ve walked past the building many times over the years and never had a reason to venture inside.  Scouse:  A Comedy of Terrors was that reason and I wouldn’t be disappointed!   This hidden gem of a theatre space is beautiful and I hope it continues to be used and be restored to its former glory.

I didn’t know what to expect from this show; comedy or tragedy? I came away knowing I had both.  The script is deliciously cruel with a splatter of comedy, delivered with perfect scouse timing.  The play grabs you from the start and takes you on a ride filled with Liverpool history, political unrest and tragedy. 

The scenery was very cleverly put together and the whole space was used wonderfully.  Special mention to the director Margaret Connell, who made the transition between scenes seamless and little touches, such as the confessional scene, were very effective. 

The show has a very strong cast, particularly Jackie Jones and Peter Washington, who play Kath and Tom respectively.  Quiet often in plays, people who play couples don’t always look right together or try to hard to suit each other but these two actors were very believable and there was an honesty in their performances that you don’t always see.  Their daughter (Susan), played by Katie King, was brilliant.  Her character changed throughout the play, which is often difficult to do, but she performed it with ease and I would like to see her in other roles.  Her brother (Ben), played by James Ledsham, was equally great and played his character with passion and truth.  Tina played by, the ever dependable, Louise Garcia, epitomised the scouse tart.  Nicola Ferguson played Lisa, and gave a very moving piece alongside James Ledsham.  Curtis Watt played a very good Father Clive and had some great ones liners and delivered them with good comic timing.  Michael Hawkins was the most versatile actor, playing a number of roles.  He had different accents and I couldn’t tell which was his own voice, if any!  Macca, played by Reg Edwards, was perfect for Tom’s best mate and James McMartin (Big Frank) finished off the gang wonderfully. 

All in all I wasn’t expecting the play to be as good as it was and I came away thinking it was a scouse version of Les Miserables (Minus the songs).  Yes there is strong language in the lay but it isn’t over used and reflects language that is used. 

If you are looking for a thought proving night out that will make you laugh and cry then this is the play for you!  

Let Me

I know you’ve had times when you haven’t seen the light

When everything got too much to handle

I just want to let you know that I’m always around

I’ll always be here to light your candle

Chorus

Let me open the door

Let me pull out your chair

Let me hold your hand

Let others stop and stare

Let me be by your side

Let me be your dance

Let me close that chapter

Let others stop and glance

You should have been treated better than you have been

Others haven’t been so kind

They turned away when life became difficult

You need to take the negativity from your mind

Bridge

Hold on to your torch and make your light shine

Believe in yourself and everything will be fine

What we have I definitely wouldn’t exchange

Some see our love like a movie, so true

A story that will eventually unwind

At the end there will always be me and you

Sparkle

I saw you looking down

Too afraid to look up

You quietly sat in the corner

Drinking from you favourite cup

No one gave you a chance

You didn’t know how to smile

Keeping your thoughts to yourself

Not spoke for a while

Everyone but you has a sparkle

They seem to light the way

But you live in darkness

Darkness is your everyday

Then something changed

You began to look up

You came out from the corner

Putting down your favourite cup

Another small step

You spoke softy and began to smile

You seemed at peace

If only for a while

Darkness faded

Light began to shine

To be happy or sad

There is such a fine line

Your eyes told the story

You’ve been hurt before

I didn’t ask you to talk

Your heart's been at war

What I clearly observed

Life was very low

My job was very simple

To help you find a cure

Now I see you with a smile

Walking through my classroom door

Smiling, laughing and loving

You have your sparkle once more

One More Dance

When I was young

You held me in your arms

We moved around the dance floor

Like no one else was there

We both smiled

Are eyes captured our love

I never wanted you to let me go

Chorus

But that was then and this is now

I want you back but don’t know how

You’re in my heart

You’ll always be

I close my eyes

You’re all I can see

I want to go back

To the times before

I want to dance with you once more

As we grew older

We continued to dance

We moved a little slower

But the love was still there

The hold became tighter

I held you a little closer

Our eyes still captured our love

Bridge

No one will ever know how that dance felt

No one will ever know how much love I have for you

The dance floor is now empty

I’m standing all alone

I wish you were here next me

To hold me one more time

We’d dance around

Like no one was watching

Our eyes would capture our love