AMATEUR THEATRE REVIEW: Go On Dad, Knock - The Hope Street Theatre, Liverpool.

'Go On Dad, Knock' is being performed at The Hope Street Theatre, which is situated in one of the back rooms at The Masonic Building and has approximately 100 seat capacity. It’s a lovely building, full of character and great architecture. The theatre is available to hire to professional and non-professional theatre companies. Additionally, the layout and seating can be adapted, which was ideal for 'Go On Dad, Knock'. The theatre has since become a creative hub for local writer groups and theatre makers too. Ironically, 'Go On Dad, Knock' is a true story that took place within walking distance of The Hope Street Theatre.

Ron Clark wrote 'Go On Dad, Knock' based on his own childhood experiences. Initially, he wrote 'Go On Dad' as his debut novel. He has since rewritten the story and adapted it as a theatre play. It is Sarah Boylan’s directional debut. Having read the book herself, she particularly liked the story and saw its potential on the stage. Sarah also played a role in adapting the book to the stage. Her hard work and enthusiasm were clearly demonstrated in the play. They both have done a good job adapting the story to the stage and introducing it to a new audience in the theatre.

There was a large, young ensemble of characters including Young Robbie (Louie Birchall), Joey Moore/ Older Ronnie (James Bone), Betty (Sophie Edmunds), Flo/Pamela (Hannah Jennings), Charles/Albert (Josh Cromarty), Mrs. Simpson/Irene (Tara Clarke), Stephen (Daniel Wills), Amanda (Lucy Lawes-Robinson). Callum O’Brian multi-played the roles of The Narrator, Social Worker and Raymond. Additionally, Holly Jones multi-played the roles of Dougie, Mrs. Wilson and Laura. The school children were played by Scarlett Burton Gubb, Maggie Withell, Amelia Hamer and Izzie Usher.

Huge praise to Sophie Edmunds, she played the role of Betty with so much emotion. As an audience, you can feel empathy for the character in her very difficult circumstances. I thought Louie Bitchall played Young Ronnie really well considering his age. It was great to see young actors being given the opportunity to perform in a theatre play and showcasing their talents.

The story of 'Go On Dad, Knock' opened when Betty confronted her partner, Albert about being pregnant with his child. He didn’t want to know about her upcoming pregnancy and demanded she leave the house. Betty soon found somewhere else to live, but not for long. Still not struggling to pay the rent and bills, since being a single mother. She briefly stayed elsewhere. Finding herself unable to look after Ronnie financially, she made the extremely difficult decision to abandon him. Subsequently, Ronnie was taken into care. His mother, Betty got in touch some time later and briefly saw him. Not long after seeing his mother, Ronnie was told she had passed away, but was shielded from the truth.

As an adult, at 42 years old, Ronnie embarked on a journey to solve the mystery of how mother, Betty passed away. He soon discovered the very tragic death that Betty went through. These harrowing circumstances sent him on a long search for siblings he never knew existed.

The set design was simple, but effective. There were few props used for particular scenes in the play. Annie Clarke did a good job sourcing the props required for the play. Well done to Barbara Boylan for providing the costumes for the characters in the play. Attention to detail was definitely taken in account to fit the time period for the play. Chris Boylan and Phil Cummings did a great job at stage management as the scene changes were done smoothly and quickly.

The lighting was good throughout the play. For the emotional scenes, the lighting was heightened to great effect. There were no problems with sound as all the dialogue could clearly be heard. There were a few songs sung between scenes by some of the characters in the play. The vocals were good and the songs added more tension to the scenes.


This evening’s performance was a 'Pay What You Decide Night', where the audience gave a donation to what they think the play is worth and provide positive or negative feedback on the play. I think this is a great concept as the audience can note down any improvements they think could potentially be made to the play or commend on certain aspects of the play. This can prove very useful for the cast and crew.

'Go On Dad, Knock' was a joyful play to go and see. The beginning was quite harrowing to watch a single mother struggling to cope with her young child. However, the mood of the play changed as time progressed. I thought it was great idea having such a young cast playing all the roles and showcasing their talents.

Reviewer - Mark Cooper
on - 4/9/19