THEATRE REVIEW: Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em - The Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

The 1970s are remembered for many things; from times of industrial unrest, strikes, tacky wallpaper pattern, glam rock, punk, and much else besides, but if the decade stands out head-and-shoulders for anything, it is for classic television sit-coms. These half-hour golden comedy slots became integral parts of national culture in a time when there were only three TV channels and no internet. Most of them, such as ‘Dad’s Army’, ‘It Ain’t Half Hot Mum’ and ‘Are You Being Served?’ featured a team of distinctly memorable characters; but one series managed to reach the heights of popularity and comic mayhem based around just one extraordinary protagonist; Frank Spencer. His beret, tank-top and raincoat outfit, along with his mannerisms became instantly recognisable and remain so fifty years' on.

To do ‘Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em’ justice on stage was a very demanding challenge because the series concentrated on a lot of fast-paced visual humour requiring precise comic timing, usually resulting in the trashing of more or less everything within the vicinity of Frank Spencer. Considerable physical demands were placed on Michael Crawford, who played Frank, with other cast members often ending up in precarious situations. Many of the stunts required a high degree of technical skill as well, typically resulting in controlled demolition. For a play, these have to be repeated every night. This production has admirably met all these challenges so audiences today can relive the spirit of this remarkable comic creation. James Paterson and Ben Watson both gave excellent performances as the ‘straight men’. Paterson effectively represented the many who had attempted to interview or otherwise consider Frank for various positions only to be driven to a near nervous breakdown. The vicar was a semi-regular in the series and Watson was well cast in this role, capturing the spirit of a well-meaning parson who knows Frank all too well. Moray Treadwell as Betty’s mother (another series semi-regular) was given a lot more to do in this stage version including some surprisingly physical bits, which were very funny.

Joe Pasquale as Frank and Sarah Earnshaw as Betty did not attempt to emulate physically Frank and Betty, but had taken care to both sound and act like the original characters. Both actors brought something of themselves to the roles and after a while, it's doubtful even long-standing fans of the TV series were bothered that it was not Michael Crawford and Michelle Dotrice on stage; this show had a life and pace of its own whilst remaining faithful to the original.

Writer Guy Unworth had taken key scenes from two episodes in the original TV series and blended them into a complete two-hour story with additional bits added. Most of the usual premises were there including bad DIY going wrong, visitors under misapprehensions, and Betty, Frank’s long-suffering wife, continually drawn into his disasters. Whilst the writing was clearly a labour of love, there were some interesting departures. Some of the jokes were very adult-orientated and would not been passed by a 70’s TV censor for family viewing. There was also effective use of music via a dodgy hi-fi system which provided the backing for some hilarious dance routines, including three ‘Franks’ coming down the stairs like The Three Degrees!

A brilliant, very sophisticated set kept the audience guessing from start to finish as to what will drop off, explode or otherwise self-destruct next, coupled with erratic and completely unpredictable electrical installations. The sheer, continuous mayhem was a joy to behold.

If one thing showed that the show succeeded, it was the constant and genuine appreciation from the audience who needed little warming-up and were frequently laughing out loud. This is the kind of show we need more of, not just as relief from the troubling times we live in but as a reminder of what great '70’s comedy was all about.

Reviewer - John Waterhouse
on - 10.5.22