Show: Twice Nightly
Event: Liverpool Theatre Festival Of New Works
Location: Bombed Out Church, Liverpool
Date: Tuesday July 13 2021
Time: 19.30
Running Time: 60 Minutes
Age Rating: 12+
Performers: Michael Alan Bailey & Maria Lovelady
Production Company: Frame This!
Writers: Michael Alan Bailey & Maria Lovelady
Directors: Michael Alan Bailey & Maria Lovelady
This is our theatre review for Twice Nightly at Liverpool‘s Bombed Out Church. Now, this is the second show of Liverpool Theatre Festival Of New Works 2021. So, let’s take a look at Twice Nightly!
Twice Nightly
Synopsis
The year is 1931. And it seems that variety really is the spice of life! Indeed, for both Don and Madge (a song and dance double act), life in Liverpool really is sweet. But then it turns sour. Cue a night of bitter disruption that leaves them both in a pickle. And from there, they stew over memories of their fruity careers, making for some outrageous flavour!
Analysis
Maria Lovelady and Michael Alan Bailey play their roles as Madge and Don with conviction and ease. Their connection is plain to see, straight from the off. The play starts with a song and dance number that instantly brings you into the 1930’s with a bang, setting the pace to the play. The choreography, costumes and staging is spot on. It really does harp back to the days of the variety acts and has an authentic, Music Hall feel.
A simple plot, performed with assurance and high levels of energy. A ‘start at the end and work your way back’ setup which helps to guide us through the narrative. From finding out their beloved residency is closing down to be repurposed as a picture house, this play follows the journey after that dreaded evening. First stop? A skin full in Ma Edgies. We go on to find out what they stole after seeing flashbacks of their life as a song and dance duo. We are treated to some wonderful reflective scenes including an amusing performance from Roy Carruthers and his amorous parrot, Cornelia. Finally ending in a sentence from the magistrate judge. They saved the best till last, with a fantastic ending number dedicated to Bertie and Bella (The Liverbirds). This was full of the pazazz and showmanship that you would expect of Madge and Don.
Not only are the acting skills of Lovelady and Bailey unquestionable, they complement each other excellently onstage. Their comedy timing is in sync and although the script at times is slightly panto, that is never a bad thing. The use of double entendres and slapstick humour is perfectly fit into a well written and cohesive script.
The talents of Jess Dives as MD and sole musician provides a lively and supportive soundtrack to help drive the play.
It’s very impressive that Lovelady and Bailey wrote this and also served as co-directors to this wonderful piece. Where do their talents end!?
Summary
This is a wonderful piece of theatre. It has all the ingredients for a successful run and it is so well deserved. Full of lively scenes, a touch of Scouse humour, warmth, a right good belly laugh and a pull at the old heartstrings. This is a show that is not to be missed. Well done to Maria Lovelady and Michael Alan Bailey for bringing this wonderful piece of theatre to the Liverpool Festival Of New Works and thanks for a great night.
Notes
Target Audience: 12+
Content: Infrequent Minor Sex References
Recommendation?: Yes
Overall Rating: 9/10 – Outstanding
Twice Nightly Further Links
Liverpool Theatre Festival Of New Works 2021 continues at the Bombed Out Church until Sunday July 18 2021. So, to purchase tickets, please click here.
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