Bouncers -Review- Northern Stage

Bouncers 
Theatre Royal Wakefield and John

Godber Company

at Northern Stage
Tuesday 19th March 2019 

Cast:  Frazer Hammill, Peter McMillan, Duncan Riches, Lamin Touray


This smash hit comedy is described by the National Theatre as one of the plays of the millenium. The original writer John Godber has revisited the show to bring us this bang up to date (uber and selfies) production which tells of one night in a Yorkshire nightclub all under the watchful eye of the bouncers.

What makes Bouncers such the brilliant comedy for me is primarily the relatability. We've all either been there, recognising ourselves, friends or have seen first hand the coming and goings of a typical night out in the nightclub world.

I can't think of bouncers without remembering the cringeworthy time of me in my teens attempting to get into a trendy nightclub and being refused. It wasn't because of being underage (which I most definitely was) no, the bouncers took one look at me, in a denim jacket I'd badly accessorized with half sewn bits of flag, short spiky hair and Doc Martin boots shook their heads and quoted the dress policy to me.

The story is told through the four bouncers (Lucky Eric, Judd, Les and Ralph) and also a group of four ladies and four men on their night out. The writing really is outstanding, capturing perfectly and humorously the characters’ hopes and thoughts as they prepare for and go about their night out. It is a great observational piece punchily told as it goes between the various groups of people as the night unfolds.

Whilst very funny it does also include a few short ‘speeches’ interspaced through the show from one of the bouncers Lucky Eric (the more serious one) He tells things he’s seen in his career from a different side away from all the fun, shots, drugs and general having a good time. Also touching at times on social commentary, this gives it a more real feel which is part of the brilliance of this show. It made me feel as though I was there in the club.

The four actors were all exceptional. Playing the parts of the bouncers as well as the lads and lasses on the night out. The set was minimal (only a few beer kegs and moveable metal fences were needed) and at the back of the stage strips of multi coloured lights and 4 archways which the cast momentarily went behind and reappeared signalling the start of a different scene. This was done seamlessly and apart from a few handbags no change of clothes or other props were required and this was because the actors switched characters and immediately took on their different personas they were playing really well.

There was swearing, dancing (reminiscent at times of that hilarious scene from The Inbetweeners) singing, contemporary music, tears, shots galore, copping off (or trying to) talk of a sexual nature and most of all lots of laughs and highly entertaining throughout. I enjoyed every second and my jaw still aches. I would definitely go see this again. As I made my way out I couldn't walk past a group of people without overhearing them say how good it was or “he's beautiful” and “he's hot” life imitating art and vice versa.

It is on at Northern Stage until Saturday 23rd March

Belinda Bekki-Winter