A musical adaptation from the 1990s TV series Bad Girls with a few familiar roles amongst the cast such as the gobby and cocky Shell Dockley (Laura Riley) and the loathsome and despicable Fenner (Paul Robinson).
When the show opens, you meet a colourful array of characters from the sweet and saintly Wing Governor Helen Stewart (Michelle Williams) who is battling against older, more defiant guards such as Fenner, and the stoic and patronising Sylvia “Bodybag” Hollamby (Ruth Gibb) to bring more humanity and empathy to the prison. Due to an uprising in the block, Stewart (who has been falling for an inmate) is in hot water and her budding love story between her and the strong and defiant inmate, Nikki Wade (Diane Glover), is under threat.
A very fragile and naive portrayal of Rachel Hicks (Claire Jones) is tragically centre stage of the first part of the production as she tries to navigate her new life in prison amongst the sharks, and I don’t necessarily mean the inmates!
This production is hard hitting and not afraid to tackle some dark and taboo subjects. It demonstrates the tragedy and comedy of prison life for both inmates and staff.
Although the production does at times make you feel very uncomfortable with some of the appalling situations that unfold, you are also uplifted by the triumphs and solidarity of the women.
An absolute dynamite duo who had audiences cracking up were the two Julie’s. Julie Saunders (Pip Bradshaw) who also portrayed the heart ache of motherhood behind bars very well and Julie Johnston (Lynsey Corner) whose facial expressions and wild antics with her best friend had us on stitches, especially when the duo were joined by the fun and fabulous and equally sex starved Yvonne Atkins (Julie Gould) for a fantastic, saucy and perfectly directed scene with the handsome and charming Justin Mattison (David Stevens).
Surprisingly, there was another unexpectedly funny duo in the hilarious Gibb and Robinson. Although their characters are unlikable, they showed amazing breadth in the skills as you switched between loathing and loving them throughout.
An amazing ensemble to complete the cast of wayward character with added naivety and loyalty of one Denny Blood (Megan Charlton), Dockleys steadfast sidekick. All the company should be very proud.
There was some stand out solos within the performance especially from the fanatic Crystal Gordon (Izzie Watkins) and a show stopping performance with Fenner and Dockley, which will also have you crying laughing. Bradshaw’s poignant solo to her son was moving and deserves a mention.
For a very dark and uncomfortable performance, Paul Robinson who played Fenner deserves a special mention. Especially with his solo ‘The Key’ as myself and many of the audience applauded his performance but he was so convincing and disturbing, you felt you shouldn’t applaud. Which is exactly how you want the audience to feel. Fantastic!
With fun and funky choreography (Izzie Watkins) superb direction (Julie Robinson) and producing (Ruth Gibb) you are in for one rollercoaster of an evening. Wayne Oakes and his orchestra and perfectly timed sound and lighting (Kelsey Fulton and Aber Lighting) set the mood and scene perfectly and the set (Claire Jones and Megan Chorlton) at Rainhill always amazes me with their attention to detail. A definite winner of a production you don’t want to miss.
Bad Girls the Musical is on until the 21st July at Rainhill. Book your tickets at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/rainhill-prescot/rainhill-village-hall/bad-girls-the-musical/e-ddogqk
Reviewer: Stephanie Wiswall
Reviewed: 18th June 2025
North West End UK Rating: