This is our review of The Scousetrap at Liverpool‘s Royal Court Theatre. So, let’s take a look at The Scousetrap!
Synopsis Of The Scousetrap
The year is 1941, and Liverpool is in the midst of the Blitz during World War II. And at the highly-prestigious Adelphi Hotel, a varied range of characters are working and/or staying over amidst the Blitz. This includes hotel manager Hans Free (Zain Salim), Admiral Lord Street (David Benson), and his associate Inspector Gajé (Gabriel Fleary). We also see Miss Marble (Eithne Browne), who reunites with the Inspector years after working together on previous cases.
And speaking of which, a case breaks out due to the shocking murder of the Admiral. Everyone at the hotel becomes a suspect, including the Bishop of Birkenhead (also David Benson), W.C. Groper (Liam Tobin), Lady Barking-Dobson (Helen Carter), and hotel worker Norman (Jack Lane). Not forgetting, of course, the four hotel maids Polly, Molly, Holly, and Dolly (Keddy Sutton for all four). As Marble and Gajé consider clues and gather evidence, the crimes only increase in number. And as the night continues, we wonder who was responsible, and also, how many are responsible for the ongoing tragedy.
Analysis Of The Scousetrap
This is a nice change in pace from the usual Royal Court shows. There are the usual (and hilarious) local references, as well as some great “accidental” double entendres from Gajé. But the production is more of an old-school play, albeit in a deliberately farcical fashion. The highlight may be the seance scene, as the characters suddenly adopt some unexpected, yet side-splitting impersonations. Yet the performances of the cast are strong across the entire show. From an acting standpoint, Eithne Browne leads things very well, though it’s Keddy Sutton that has the audience in stitches most often.
Elsewhere, the mid-20th century Adelphi surroundings are very authentic and effective for the basis of the plot. (Though the Bishop comments at one stage, “what is the plot?”) It also helps that you don’t need to have seen The Mousetrap in order to appreciate this show. Look out, too, for the introductory video where Adolf Hitler threatens to give Liverpool a “Bombed Out Church!” Not to mention the tongue-in-cheek reference to Everton FC. The only slight comment was that the show was a little short, which is unusual for the Royal Court. An extra 15-20 minutes with another scene as strong as the seance could have made the production even better.
Summary Of The Scousetrap
I would definitely suggest checking this show out. It achieves a nice balance of having the audience consider the mystery while also sitting back and enjoying the chaos unfolding. There’s plenty of localised comedy, along with some surprising moments that are amongst the best parts of the show. All in all, this is a very enjoyable show that you should watch during its run at the Royal Court.
