Show: Ellen & Rigby
Location: Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool
Date: Saturday July 3 2021
Time: 20.00
Running Time: 150 Minutes
Age Rating: 16+
Performers: Lindzi Germain & Andrew Schofield
Production Company: Royal Court Theatre
Writer: Gerry Linford
Director: Stephen Fletcher
Our latest theatre review is for Ellen & Rigby at Liverpool‘s Royal Court Theatre. The show runs from Friday July 2 to Saturday July 31 2021. So, let’s take a look at Ellen & Rigby!
Ellen & Rigby
Synopsis Of Ellen & Rigby
Ellen is lucky in life, but unlucky in love, and so she’s looking for a man. But thanks to the NHS, she meets Joe Rigby! Now, Joe is a rock star who would come close to making it in 1985. But he lives alone, a situation that’s lasted so long that he doesn’t even realise his unhappiness. Therefore, Ellen coming into his life could change all that. With Ellen being Miss Old Swan in 1991, she still has beauty to offer, even after all these years. Now, after 12 months on their own, these two equally-lonely people come together for 12 weeks in between Joe’s vaccinations. And so it could go one of two ways. Will it be an exciting time for these two loners to fall in love? Or will it be a massive pain for each of them?
Along the way, we explore their lifestyles; Ellen as someone who seizes every opportunity, and Rigby as someone who shies away. Now, Ellen is loud, lively, vibrant and willing to put in the work for whatever ray of light is ahead. But for Joe, the simple life is one he prefers, where he relives his days alongside former band The Curtains. So, as Ellen tries to get close to, and change, Joe, he responds with resistance. Indeed, he can’t understand why he needs to change aspects of his day-to-day life, such as talking to his plants. But as things roll on, we learn about why both are lonely, and the contrast in how each handles their loneliness. Furthermore, we notice the cracks breaking in Joe’s reluctance to welcome Ellen into his life. But will it be enough for either to find the true happiness that both seem to be lacking?
Analysis Of Ellen & Rigby
I was looking forward to this show beforehand, and it did not disappoint. For me, returning to the Royal Court Theatre after so long was rewarding, but also comforting due to the performers on stage. After all, Lindzi Germain and Andrew Schofield are local theatre legends. That’s largely because they can capture the audience’s attention instantly and entertain them effortlessly. And that was the case again here. So, Lindzi would dominate proceedings between her abrasive tone, cutting insults and fascination for George Clooney. As for Drew Schofield, his quieter approach would lead to tons of hilarious one-liners, not to mention some side-splitting dance moves. And both would also remind attendees about their excellent singing skills as well.
The story itself moves at a good pace, allowing us to see their relationship develop over the twelve weeks. And what begins as an odd couple slowly turns into a situation where each character supports the other. And that leads to all sorts of crazy comedic capers. These range from visual props to current pop culture references to jokes specifically tailoring towards the local audience. Plus, there are so many laugh-out-loud moments to find here that one can only find at the Royal Court.
Subject
A significant basis of the show is the Coronavirus pandemic, and this works twofold. We see Lindzi and Drew perfectly poke fun at certain aspects of life under social distancing restrictions. For instance, Joe Rigby notes his easy adaptation to current life due to him deliberately avoiding other people for many, many years. Furthermore, the scene where Ellen gives Rigby his first jab is side-splitting, perfectly playing on the fears that potential patients have. (Look out for the moment where Ellen rips apart the conspiracy theorists.) And Drew’s physical reactions to some of the potential AstraZeneca jab side effects are must-see.
But on the other hand, it also takes a serious tone in emphasising the grim reality of this pandemic for so many. The deaths, the lack of social interaction, the inability to see family, and missing out on crucial life events. Let’s not forget just how many have lost their lives in a pandemic that is still not over. And let’s also not forget how an even larger number continue to suffer from loneliness, depression, anxiety and other issues. Life certainly wasn’t perfect pre-Covid, but life has been and currently remains incredibly hard for so many people. And there is an emphasis on this within the show, one which may leave attendees in tears. Especially those who can relate to the emotions that Lindzi expresses, either for a friend, relative, or even themselves.
Miscellaneous
Throughout the show, we hear some vintage musical hits to get the audience singing along between scenes. As is always the case at the Royal Court, the sets are spectacular, with their designs being impeccable. For instance, the NHS care ward is true-to-life, with a “thank you NHS” poster clear for all to see. And Rigby’s house is incredibly authentic, right down to a patio door leading to a garden. And the lighting is also effective in spotlighting the more comedic moments and spotlighting the show’s sadder scenes. Meanwhile, there was sufficient social distancing between seats, as well as hand sanitiser being available all throughout the building.
I must mention the behaviour of some attendees, who would continuously talk loudly and heckle during the second half. So much so that the show would actually temporarily halt while stewards and bouncers would remove the idiotic disrupters. I cannot fathom how some people can behave like this in a theatre. But it’s even more mind-blowing when you consider how long people have had to wait to see live theatre once again. And then you have a group of people such as these, whose personal enjoyment apparently matters more than common decency. Thankfully, though, they would miss the ending, with their removal triggering one of the loudest cheers of the night. And credit to the Royal Court for handling the situation so that we could enjoy the final scenes in peace.
Summary Of Ellen & Rigby
Ellen & Rigby is the ideal show to see as we return to theatres. Not only does it provide tons of laughs, but it also acts as a snapshot of the current time period. However, it also provides reassurance and hope that the worst is behind us and that the future is bright. And with Lindzi Germain and Andrew Schofield leading the way, you know that you’re in for a treat. So, if you’re ready to return to the theatre, I strongly urge you to see Ellen & Rigby.
Notes
Target Audience: 16+
Content: Frequent Strong Language, Infrequent Sex References
Recommendation?: Yes
Overall Rating: 10/10 – Perfect
Ellen & Rigby Further Link
So, Ellen & Rigby runs at the Royal Court Theatre until Saturday July 31 2021. And to purchase tickets, please click here.
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