Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *
Cast: Russell Parry, Dominic Pitt, John Bradburn, Wendy Jones, Des Flanagan, Mark Jones, Ashleigh Barton, Josie Parks, Louise Clark, Tony Russell, Jade Oxby, Franny Conlin, Wayne Lester, Peter Highton, Ken Adderley, Mal French.
It’s hard to find a production these days that is professionally polished and smooth to watch but still retains its personal touch; the little feeling you get when you recognise a character or two from your own life. It is possible to see audience members forget they are watching the latest production of Wild Flowers from the company of the same name. However they are and with original tunes and such developed characters, what a production it is!
It’s also hard to find a drama set in the turbulent times of the mid 90s Dockers’ strike that still feels relevant to generations who had little or nothing to do with the events of that time, this production does so. It is a city that still feels the bitter chill of that time run through its heart, long memories that make the people of Merseyside unique and make this play a must see.
Russell Parry has done a great job taking on the reins of director as well as remaining one of the main characters and under his wing the whole cast rose up to deliver the drama and excitement that Franny Conlin puts down on paper, both in the heartstring-pulling script and the songs which were developed from his very own poetry based on his own experiences growing up in a tough era of Liverpool.
The narrative is not obstructed by the musical numbers as some other productions can be, they fit well within the rest of the show and full credit to Mal French for the engaging and riveting score that help to drive the storyline and expand on the emotions brought to the audience by the rest of the show.
With recognisable characters and an exciting but brutally honest storyline, the type that can be overlooked far too often these days, this is the type of show that makes audiences come back again and again to the theatre and reminds all who venture to see this play in the future how strongly history can translate into a fantastic and honest play.
Alex Shaw
