One of the biggest things to happen to Liverpool is that Eurovision is coming to the city and because of this shows are popping up with the Eurovision theme. The Royal court was no exception. A Thong for Europe written by Johnathan Harvey and Directed by Stephen Fletcher.
Set in Waterloo the show opens with Lulu (Lindzi Germain) giving a eulogy at her mum’s funeral Steph (Eithne Browne) who loved Eurovision. But was sadly taken to the other side by a death trap of a hanging basket. Steph came to Lulu, and requested her ashes be scattered on the Eurovision Stage. Lulu and her son Terry (Andro Cowperthwaite) opened their home so that they could get a bit of extra cash and even maybe tickets to Eurovision it’s self so that they can forfill the wish of their dear mother and grandmother. Some of the guests that came to stay were Pippa the choreographer (Gemma Dobson) and Beryl (Emma Bispham). Pippa was sent by the BBC to help bring life to Beryl’s choreography for her number and liven it up. Beryl is representing the country of Balkania. Who falls in love with an attractive security guard Pat (Keddy Sutton)
This show from the outside is genius. The visual and technical effect within the show along with quick fire wit with the stellar cast. Speaking as a person who doesn’t really watch Eurovision, I was worried I’d feel lost. How wrong was I, you can sit back and laugh, clap and cheer throughout whether you’re like Steph a diehard Eurovision fan or a complete novice like me. There was a technical issue where the show was paused for a few minutes a bit the cast held it very well and true to their professionalism and genius they improvised and included the audience until they were ready to resume. I always love watching Lindzi in the Royal Court in-fact I’d watch her read the bible and it would be hilarious she like all the cast had us eating out of the palm of their hands. It’s a shame that this show couldn’t be our UK Entry for the contest because we would win hands down.
Keddy is a multi-rolling goddess she can pull belly laughs by walking up the stairs. I mean that quite literally in-fact. She played 4 characters, and they were so different you wouldn’t think they were played by the same person. But she delivered in spades.
This was easily my favourite show at the Royal Court since their pantomime. I urge you to book, watch and do it more than once. This is the easiest 5 stars I have been able to give. I truly witnessed something spectacular and isn’t that the spirit of Eurovision and indeed Liverpool. That’s of course why we won the bid.
I’m browsing dates to come back as we speak, and I urge you to do the same. Have a sing song to Eurovision hits from ABBA and Bucks Fizz. Maybe even drink one too.
Playing until 27th May, https://liverpoolsroyalcourt.com/
Reviewer: Luke Stephenson
Reviewed: 27th April 2023
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★★