'Haunted Scouse', penned by writer, Gerry Linford who also wrote Yellow Breck Road and Ellen & Rigby is a comedy ghost story dealing with love, life, and the afterlife, directed by Emma Bird.
The story revolves around Molly (Lynn Francis), a year after the death of her husband, Charlie
(Michael Starke); Molly is missing Charlie dreadfully and has convinced herself that she is responsible
for his death, whilst Charlie needs to solve the riddle of his death before he can move on to the next
world.
The set, (Set and Costume Designer, Ellie Light), stays constant throughout the production; it depicts
Molly’s comfortable living room in the house she shared with Charlie. His large, framed portrait
hangs above a small cabinet on which an urn containing his ashes are placed; the portrait changes
colours when Charlie’s ghost appears on set. The French windows to the back of the set are used by
the cast for entrances and exits throughout the play and a small staircase leads up to the top floor of
the house; the roof remains open exposing the sky.
Each act is interspersed with familiar pop songs from the 1960s and Peggy (Helen Carter) also
performs songs exceptionally throughout. She has a credible singing voice and commands the stage
at each entrance dressed in gold lamé with her blonde hair piled up into a beehive, smoking a
cigarette using a long cigarette holder; she is reminiscent of Paul O’Grady’s alter-ego Lily Savage.
The plot is awash with expletives, double entendres, innuendo and Liverpudlian colloquialisms along
with mentions of local landmarks and well-known shops and restaurants which the audience showed
their appreciation for by clapping and whistling as they were mentioned.
Clever use of flashing lights (Ian Scott, Lighting Designer) and sound effects (Kate Harvey, Sound
Designer) such as thunderclaps were used along with dry ice and video projections of Charlie from
when he was alive.
The small cast of five played their roles exceptionally well; Paul Duckworth is worth a special
mention for his comedic timing and portrayal of slimy neighbour, Gordon, and Julie Glover as Linda,
the posh, crystal-gazing hippie with her love of auras and psychic healing powers from next door was
a treat.
The production steadily morphed into a comedic farce and is an enjoyable piece of escapism splendidly performed by the talented cast.
The show runs until 9th March 2024.
Advisory 14+ some strong language
Reviewer - Anne Pritchard
on - 15.2.24
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