This is our theatre review of Rita, Sue & Bob Too! at St. Helens Theatre Royal. So, let’s take a look at Rita, Sue & Bob Too!
Synopsis
This adults-only show is a stage version of the popular 80’s cult film. Using the original script, this production tells the story of two working-class girls in their final year of high school. To make money while living on a run-down council estate, Rita and Sue babysit for a married couple, Bob and Michelle. Bob has an affair with both Rita and Sue, taking turns with both girls in his car. The play shows the ups and downs of Bob trying to hide the affair from his wife with all the hilarities that ensue.
The show stars Michael Parr (Emmerdale) as Bob, Crissy Rock (Benidorm) as Mu, and Jamie Greer as Dad. Not forgetting Tori Hargreaves as Michelle, Jessica Ellis as Rita, and Olivia Sloyan as Sue. This hilarious record-breaking show will have you giggling into the night!
Analysis
This show is a must-watch for all soap lovers. It has the drama of a soap opera with the side-splitting jokes of a comedy show. Furthermore, 80’s music is played often throughout. This fits in well with when the play was written and keeps audiences entertained through scene changes. All the actors fill the space easily and embody their characters wonderfully. The chemistry between Rita, Sue, and Bob set the scene, increasing the boundaries for how far the jokes can go.
Now, this isn’t a play for the faint-hearted! With a lot of strong language, adult humour, and sexual themes, this production doesn’t hold back on its crudeness. However, this creates a hilarious performance, leaving you fully entertained.
Performance
On the night, Mum (Crissy Rock) had an issue with her costume. The bandana on her head kept falling into her face. In some circumstances, this may be a problem. But Crissy took it in her stride and added it to her performance. This stole the audience’s attention for the entirety of the scene.
There were some scenes involving arguments between characters where it was difficult to understand what they were saying. This was due to the thickness of the accent, slurring of words, and rushed speaking. Arguably, this improved the comedic aspects of these moments, showing the struggle of the characters and relating to real-life circumstances.
Summary
On the whole, this show was a joy to watch. The localised comedy fit with the themes of the play and the typical audience that visits the Theatre Royal. There are some hilarious surprises creating a balance of drama and comedy that fits well for a working-class audience. If you’re a lover of theatre and in need of a good laugh, this show is not to be missed! Make sure you catch it before the end of the run this Sunday.
