Paul Duckworth Archives - North West End UK

A Scouse Christmas Carol – Liverpool’s Royal Court

15Nov

By Anna SmithNo Comments

North West

A Scouse Christmas Carol – Liverpool’s Royal Court

A Scouse Christmas Carol – Liverpool’s Royal Court It may not be what Dickens had in mind when he wrote A Christmas Carol but A Scouse Christmas Carol directed by Mark Chatterton hits the mark providing laughter and mischief in the Royal Courts festive offering. Kevin Fearon has taken the traditional story by Charles Dickens shaken it up and given us a mix of ghosts, live music, humour and a murder mystery all delivered with heart, wit, warmth and festive fun. We laughed from the very first minute. Victorian London is brought to life with a beautiful cleverly designed set which makes full use of the revolving stage and the lighting sets the night time scenes. The live band are fantastic and a huge part of the show. Jacob Marley is dead but who has killed him? His widow, ...

Speedo Mick The Musical – Liverpool’s Royal Court

5Jun

By Luke StephensonNo Comments

North West

Speedo Mick The Musical – Liverpool’s Royal Court

It feels amazing to be back writing for North West End UK again and to kick off my first review of 2025, I was invited to watch ‘Speedo Mick The Musical’ written by John May, music by Boff Whalley and directed by Conrad Nelson, at the iconic Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre. For those who don’t know Speedo Mick, otherwise known as Micheal Cullen. Raises money for charity by walking in all weathers and even in sub-zero temperatures all in his pair of blue Speedo’s and not forgetting his Everton scarf. Raising over a million pounds for selected charities. So quite rightly this story had to be told and give him the recognition he deserves and more. The show opens with Johnny (Lenny Wood) at the top of the building, unable to see the light and wanting to end his life. This is until he is ...

23Aug

By Hannah EsnoufNo Comments

North West

Lost Soul 2 – Liverpool’s Royal Court

Although the title might make some presume this to be a connected sequel to a show they should watch first, they needn’t worry. I was five when the first Lost Soul took to the same stage in 2007 and so there was no chance of me having any accurate grounds for comparison, but, from what I have read, that show was electric with scouse humour, a laugh-a-minute kind of affair and I took those expectations with me into Lost Soul 2. You’re never far away from a laugh in the Royal Court and this show was no different. Straight away it’s adult content and unapologetic farce gives you a flavour of the rest of the evening and that doesn’t let up, I was pleasantly surprised to see. The comedy was well-balanced and well-timed. Though sometimes predictable, it genuinely had people rolling around ...

Haunted Scouse – Liverpool’s Royal Court

16Feb

By Luke StephensonNo Comments

North West

Haunted Scouse – Liverpool’s Royal Court

A new play was upon us at the Liverpool Royal Court Theatre. Haunted Scouse by Gerry Linford, is a tale about husband Charlie (Michael Starke) who has sadly passed away, and he can’t complete his journey to the other side as there is something he needs to deal with first at home. His widow Molly (Lyn Francis) has turned to the bottle something she never used to do she feels alone as their son is in Australia. Molly blames herself for Charlie’s untimely death. All Charlie wants to do is give Molly a kiss and a hug just one more time as he is struggling with being on the other side but his guardian angel or should I say his auntie Peggy (Helen Carter) is on hand to guide him through to what he needs to do to get on to the other side. Charlie doesn’t like the fact that there is another gentle...