As a seasoned theatre critic with a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling and a keen eye for detail, I have had the privilege of attending countless productions throughout my career. From Broadway to the West End, I have witnessed the full spectrum of human emotion and creativity unfold on stage. With that said, I’d like to share my thoughts on three current shows that I have recently had the pleasure of seeing: “Sisters Of Mercy” at the Mercury Theatre, “Fuerza Bruta” at the Roundhouse, and “Visit From An Unknown Woman” at Hampstead Theatre.
Sisters of Mersey (Royal Court, Liverpool)
Verdict: Lordy, it’s bawdy!
It’s a blast to attend Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre, with crowds rushing in to enjoy Jonathan Harvey’s newest comedy (known for his previous works Beautiful Thing and last year’s sensation A Thong For Europe). The 1,100-capacity venue was as full as a builder’s belly even during a weekend matinee.
Sisters of Mersey is an unconventional 1980s comedy with a feel that blends elements of Sister Act and an off-season, risqué pantomime performance.
The story involves two nuns – one small and one larger – making an unexpected discovery. They are not, in fact, twins as they had assumed. Additionally, the larger nun has a true sister named Eileen Forward (inmate 6969) who is currently imprisoned.
Eileen has been accused and imprisoned for the stolen jeweled crucifix from the convent altar, resembling the enigmatic Mona Lisa in the public’s gaze.
If there’s any remaining uncertainty, this production outshines Mrs Brown’s Boys with its complexity. Moreover, concealing a cross within a large phallic symbol may be seen as highly offensive or even blasphemous to certain individuals.
Being born and raised in Liverpool, and a Roman Catholic at that, I couldn’t help but ponder if the Almighty was hiding a chuckle – if not at that, then certainly at the jubilant energy fueling the production.
Lindzi Germain, portrayed by Sister Petra Pottymouth as a character of significant size, brought to mind the likeness of a fefemale Les Dawson. Her demeanor effortlessly transitioned between an endearing sweetness and a rough-edged profanity.
Keddy Sutton portrays Sister Fionola Foghorn, a gifted physical comedian with an amusing Cilla Black impression, complete with the iconic “Surprise! Surprise!” tune and slippery moves in amniotic fluid. Emma Bispham’s Reverend Mother Mary Monobrow brings a sense of refinement to the scene. Meanwhile, a large Merseyside map adorned with flashing tower blocks and church lights underscores Stephen Fletcher’s well-received production as an affectionate parody of the city.
A live band performs beloved Eighties hits, including “Sisters Are Doing it for themselves” by the Eurythmics and “Heaven is a Place on Earth” by Belinda Carlisle.
In financial records of ticket sales, it appears that Liverpool hosts a heavenly production, as tickets are swiftly disappearing with prices set between 15 and 34 pounds (the higher price covering meal delivery to premium seats).
Fuerza Bruta (Roundhouse, London)
Verdict: Not so bruta
Fuerza Bruta made a huge impact for the first time in Buenos Aires back in 2005, and then shocked audiences in the UK when it opened at the Roundhouse in Camden Town in 2006.
Over the past few years, its unique blend of a techno rave’s vibrant nightlife and Cirque du Soleil’s artistic agility has become less intensely rebellious.
Upon our arrival, we’re guided once more into the old train station hall turned event space. A DJ gets the crowd going with lively tunes, among them an Ageless Abba hit.
As an obsessed fan, I’m left in awe as the five performers and I continue to stand still. Instead of the usual tribal drums, they don vibrant pastel suits reminiscent of Next’s clothing line. But these aren’t your typical suits; they’ve been transformed into wings that tether them to overhead wires. With a leap, they soar around an enormous globe suspended above us, defying gravity in a mesmerizing dance. Alternatively, they frolic on a free-standing conveyor belt, seemingly weightless as they perform their captivating routines.
Behind 30-foot drapes, an inflatable blue whale suddenly emerges, with two excited young men inside inflating it further and encouraging us to cheer even more loudly.
At certain moments, a young woman performs sensually in a clear water tank suspended above us. Subsequently, she contorts herself in a wind tunnel on a catwalk, reminiscent of scenes from music videos. Please note, this performance contains more writhing than a barrel full of wiggling eels at a bustling London fish market.
After 70 minutes of watching the spectacle, it seems just as prolonged for us as the actors’ description of it being “the happiest show on Earth.”
In simpler terms, imagine a lively gathering reminiscent of an extremely lenient daycare center. The atmosphere is filled with music, such as I Love It by Charli XCX and We Can’t Stop by Miley Cyrus, keeping the energy high.
It’s still fun, but at nearly 20 years old, the show is beginning to feel (whisper it) middle-aged.
Sisters Of Mersey runs until August 3; Fuerza Bruta is booking until September 1.
Visit From An Unknown Woman (Hampstead Theatre, London)
Verdict: Old-fashioned fare
Christopher Hampton’s film “Visit from an Unknown Woman” is based on the novella penned by Stefan Zweig during the early 20th century.
It was due to open two weeks ago but was cancelled after one of the actors became ill.
Now, James Corrigan takes on the role of a womanizing author residing in Vienna. He’s suddenly paid a visit by an enigmatic woman, played brilliantly by Natalie Simpson, who shares a captivating tale.
As an obsessed fan, I can’t help but admit that the play feels slightly outdated with its portrayal of a smitten young woman eagerly pursuing a writer, without any conditions or complications attached.
She explains, “I developed feelings for a man who was both caring and forgetful. It wouldn’t make sense for me to express displeasure.”
In my opinion, she has every reason to be angry at him for not even helping her with the door as he lets her go.
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2024-07-19 16:13