Show: Love, Liverpool
Location: Playhouse Theatre, Liverpool
Date: Thursday August 5 -Saturday August 14 2021
Time: 14.00
Running Time: 90 Minutes
Age Rating: 16+
Performers: Helen Carter, Chloë Clark, Aron Julius, Nathan McMullen & Jennifer Varda
Production Company: Playhouse Theatre
Writer: Chloë Moss
Director: Nathan Powell
This is our theatre review for Love, Liverpool at Liverpool‘s Playhouse Theatre. So, let’s take a look at Love, Liverpool!
Love, Liverpool
Background
If the fabric of Liverpool is its people, then the stitching of that fabric is the story we share. Indeed, this show allows strangers to share tales about their hopes and dreams and their wins and losses. And by combing interaction and connection, they take audiences through a typical day in Liverpool. So, this show threads together stories and spaces relating to Liverpool. Furthermore, Chloë Moss uses original letters from the lockdowns alongside new material to deliver a truly unique experience. And this show will ultimately allow Liverpudlians to come together again and fall in love with Liverpool once again.
Analysis
There are two major traits of this show that I would particularly take delight in. One of these is the relatable tales of the various Liverpudlians (each actor and actress would play several characters). So, we would take in the sights and sounds of the Merseyrail train. Later, we would get a glimpse into life inside the Royal Liverpool Hospital. And we would also experience a typical evening in one of Liverpool’s many local pubs. And along the way, we would get to laugh, cry, imagine, reflect and reminisce about the past, present and future of the city. It also helps that the performances from all five are authentic and engaging from start to finish.
Now, we come to the other major positive of this show to me. So, when somebody says “Liverpool”, they often bring up The Beatles, the football clubs and its historic landmarks. And that’s totally fine. But this show digs deeper into promoting Liverpool’s actual community that promotes friendliness, multiculturalism and taking care of one another. Indeed, these tales come from the streets, the flats, the alleyways and the services. All of this means that a visitor can learn so much more about what Liverpool life is really like. And, consequently, why so many people truly do love Liverpool. The closing words are particular significant: “There’s always love if you look for it.” And it’s easy to find love in Liverpool if you attempt to look for it.
Summary
Those who live in Liverpool will already know the power of their home city. But if you do need a reminder, or for tourists wishing to explore local life, this show is highly informative. Instead of acting as a promotional message, this brings together real-life anecdotes about raw and gritty aspects of local life. Consequently, Love, Liverpool spotlights the city baring its soul and has us appreciating this place that much more. Definitely check out this show if you can during its current run at the Playhouse Theatre.
Notes
Target Audience: 16+
Content: Frequent Strong Language, Some Upsetting Themes
Recommendation?: Yes
Overall Rating: 8.5/10 – Excellent
Love, Liverpool Further Links
Love, Liverpool runs at the Playhouse Theatre until Saturday August 14 2021. So, to purchase tickets, please click here.
For more information about this show, click here.
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