Show: Swan Song
Location: Unity Theatre, Liverpool
Date: Thursday July 1 2021
Time: 17.00
Running Time: 70 Minutes
Age Rating: 14+
Performer: Andrew Lancel
Production Company: Bill Elms Associates
Writer: Jonathan Harvey
Director: Noreen Kershaw
Our latest theatre review is for Swan Song at Liverpool‘s Unity Theatre. The show runs from Thursday July 1 to Saturday July 3 2021. So, let’s take a look at Swan Song!
Swan Song
Synopsis
The setting is Liverpool in 1997 amidst an ever-changing world. And we meet English teacher Dave Titswell, a gay man in his forties. But he finds that not all of this change is particularly welcome. Now, he has a crush, but life, love, and even work are not straightforward for him. However, could a school trip to The Lakes change things for the better? Or, conversely, might the excursion make things even worse?
It becomes clear that Mr. Titswell loves his job at the school. Indeed, he takes immense pride in fulfilling his duties and helping those around him. What’s more, after two previous attempts at love, Dave has no plans to resume any romantic activity. But with some gentle prodding from a colleague, he finds himself in something of a quandary. Though he’s not an old man, time is not on his side. And therefore if he does wish to find his true love, this may very well be his best opportunity. But what if there are challenges to come that he doesn’t see coming? That’s what this show is all about, one that is both hilarious and emotional, making this quite the experience. After all, everybody knows someone like Dave, or they might even be a Dave themselves.
Reopening
This was a special evening due to it being the first live theatre show at the Unity since March 2020. And it wasn’t just a historical footnote either. This production would have a special appearance by Victoria Grimes of ITV Granada Reports to interview Andrew after the show. Speaking of which, Lancel performing his one-man show is a way to help the Unity through the pandemic. And that makes this even more special, because it reminds us how the acting community comes together as one for the benefit of all.
Analysis
As for the show itself, it was thoroughly compelling from start to finish. Indeed, Andrew steps into the shoes of Dave Titswell effortlessly with a performance that is believable, relatable and sympathetic. Far from a figure of personal pain, Mr. Titswell is a refreshing example of someone accepting his lot. But that doesn’t mean he lacks ambition, and it also doesn’t mean he isn’t afraid to speak up when necessary. In between amusing anecdotes about his colleagues, we receive reminders of the time frame of the show. By that, I mean the inclusion of hit songs from the era, along with references to Tony Blair’s election victory in 1997.
And all with Andrew, and Andrew alone, performing and speaking directly to the live audience from start to finish. He speaks calmly and he takes his time, but he still has so many lines throughout this performance. And the story twists and turns to allow Lancle to demonstrate his versatility as an actor when reacting to events. All of which makes this even more impressive to bear witness to. For this is a snapshot into the life of a gay teacher who largely adapts to, but occasionally struggles with, change. This show is 24 years old now, and it remains as popular and relevant now as it was back in ’97. In the future, I would personally enjoy seeing this tale stretch out over the course of a longer play. That would allow us to further explore the other characters, thus bringing even more life to a very realistic show.
Summary
Swan Song is a firm favourite, not only in the Liverpudlian theatre scene but across the UK theatre scene in general. And it’s easy to see why, because this is thoroughly compelling, thought-provoking, attention-grabbing and at times heart-rendering. But above all, it allows attendees to walk away with a smile on their face. Especially when theatregoers are concluding such a long wait to return to the stage setting. And so if you’re venturing back out into the world, this is an ideal to see. And it’s ironic that Swan Song marks the end of Unity Theatre being empty, and the beginning of its return. Live theatre is back at the Unity, and Andrew Lancel makes sure that it’s back with a bang.
Notes
Target Audience: 14+
Content: Infrequent Strong Language & Sex References
Recommendation?: Yes
Overall Rating: 10/10 – Perfect
Tour
Thursday July 1-Saturday July 3 2021: Unity Theatre, Liverpool
Future dates and locations are awaiting confirmation.
Swan Song Further Links
Swan Song runs at Unity Theatre until Saturday July 3 2021. So, to purchase tickets, please click here.
Read our previous review of this show by clicking here.
Are you going to see Swan Song? Let us know by leaving a comment below!
