The Casa on Hope Street in Liverpool has an approximately 100-seat theatre which occupies the back room, which is available for hire for professional and non-professional companies. The front of house staff were extremely helpful and experienced.
Burjesta Theatre have been the resident theatre company at The Casa for over seven years. Within that time, they have produced twenty productions and a hundred shows, and so they are taking a well deserved break from the theatre. However, Burjesta Theatre presented their last show, Punch And Judy Versus The Devil, which was written, adapted and directed by Julian Bond. The play deals with many contemporary issues including racism, sexism and domestic violence in a modern society.
The story opens up with Mr. Punch (Peter Durr) forcibly romancing his wife, Judy (Mikyla Jane Durkan). As his feelings and affection were not wanted by Judy, he soon erupted into violence towards his wife and Baby (Maggi Green). This particular scene was the catalyst for all the other events and actions that take place afterwards.
Mr. Punch has violent tendencies with several other characters that cross his path including Judy, Baby, Social Worker Doctor (Maggi Green), the Priest (PJ Murray) and Jack Ketch (Robbie J. Harper), who all suffer from the brunt of Mr. Punch’s actions. During his time in prison, Mr. Punch was visited by a few devils, who want him to relent his sins and ask for forgiveness. Being the angry, violent and intolerable man he is, he stubbornly refused. He soon realised how much of an impact his violent tendencies have had on other people’s lives.
The play was extremely well written by Julian Bond and created a good, solid narrative featuring all the characters we know and love, whilst dealing with contemporary issues that still are as relevant in society today as they were back then. The lighting was used very well throughout the play and carefully complimented the high energy action. Special mention to Mikyla Jane Durkan for all the fantastic visual choreography that was displayed effortlessly amongst such a large cast.
There was a strong ensemble of supporting roles played by Lindsey Fooks, Maria Hutchison, Angela McComb and Sam Tolmie, who played multiple characters throughout the play. Another special mention to Yahya Baggash, who played Joey the clown for his comic timing and providing laughs whilst all the drama was taking place.
I went in to see Punch And Judy Versus The Devil with no prior expectations, I was seriously impressed by this excellent production. The play was fast moving and well acted throughout, with elements of poignancy and sadness.
Reviewer - Mark Cooper
on - 7/2/19
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