Jane Thornton Archives - North West End UK

25Mar

By Damian RiverolNo Comments

Wales

Teechers – Theatr Clwyd

The John Godber Company bring an updated, post covid version of the classic Teechers to the Weston Theatr at Theatr Clwyd. The script has been updated after John Godber spoke to teachers post covid and realised how much things have changed in the state system, where drama, art and music have a much lower status now compared to the other subjects, and how some educators are leaving the state system and being seduced by the private system which offer more in the drama, arts and music subjects. The set looks simple but very effective, with parquet looking flooring to mark out the set area, school tables and chairs, a set of lockers and a variety of other pieces and costumes around the set that are used throughout the play, all designed by Graham Kirk. The cast are made up of three actor...

Bouncers – Octagon Theatre

Since its debut at the 1977 Edinburgh Festival, Bouncers has enjoyed countless revivals and tours. To a first-time viewer, though, this iteration of the classic, northern nightclub comedy suggests that last orders were called a long while ago. An interchangeable quartet of mostly-like-minded bouncers work the doors of Mr Cinders: their interactions and observations are interspersed with the activities of different sets of partygoers, from celebrating girls to pseudo-alpha males. Under the direction of Jane Thornton, the piece promptly establishes exactly who its target audience is, as the doormen proudly declare that, in their pocket of the 1980s, “nothing is woke”. The uttering of this tiresome phrase lays the foundation for the humour that is to follow: fat jokes, gay jokes, women ...

Bouncers – Blackpool Grand

If your name’s not on the list, you’re not coming in… Bouncers is back in Blackpool with a bang! Named as one of The National Theatre’s ‘Plays of the Century’, John Godber’s classic is at the Grand Theatre for a very limited run. With a contemporary introduction for a 2024 audience, Bouncers quickly returns to its roots. Keeping faith with Godber’s original script, packed with humour and nostalgia, this new production takes us back to the 1980s when disco was king, and everyone lived for the weekend. Les, Ralph, Judd and Lucky Eric (played wonderfully by George Reid, Tom Whittaker, Nick Figgis and Frazer Hammill respectively) take us on the journey back to relive a night in nightclub “Mr Cinders”. With an exhilarating, toe-tapping 80s soundtrack, this production is as fantastic for its ...