Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

Cast: Jennifer Bea, Lindzi Germain, Michael Swift, Warren Donnelly, Tony James, Richie Grice, Mickey Finn.

The thing with some productions is that they do exactly what they say on the tin, there is no small print suggesting that the production will be akin to some lost Shakespeare play, full of pathos and anger, cunning and revenge. Instead it just happens to be good, in some cases very good at being able to give people exactly what they need, especially in a world that seems to be very bleak and full of unpleasantness, that of laughter and an excuse to crack a smile and laugh till it hurts. For Bon Voyage, presented by Boom Boom Productions, this is that type of play and for that the smile just got a little broader.

With Winston, Rocky to his family and friends, dead and in the corner of the room surveying life in the casket, it is up to everyone else to remember him and help give him the send of he deserves, in Rocky’s case though it might be fuelled by those he might not have cared to be around in the first place.

The cast were on fine form and judging by the laughter in the stalls and in the aisles, it was much appreciated by the audience who got every single quick fire joke or masked perception that came their way. The delivery of many of the jokes, whether bordering on the brilliantly rude or creatively and excellently decadent and indecent had their own special place in the play. With the outrageously great Lindzi Germain holding the fabric as the merry widow Maggie, the likeable Bumper, portrayed by Michael Swift, the loveable but slightly dizzy Lisa, played by Jennifer Bea, Warren Donnelly, Tony James and of course Richie Grice,  there was nothing but applause from all quarters.

Mickey Finn certainly seems to hold back time when he performs on stage. The Liverpool comedy legend gives an outstanding performance as the embittered and cantankerous father-in-law of the recently departed. Every move he makes, whether it is bemoaning his former son-in-law’s life or dancing and singing with sun at his back as he realises that “the p**** is dead” is captured and etched into the veteran’s performer’s face, as always this makes Mickey Finn an absolute dream to watch. He plays this type of character so well, in 2012 giving a sterling performance as the father in Rita, Sue and Bob Too at the St. Helens’ Theatre Royal, that it’s a delight to see him add this type of unlikeable personality layering to his presentation whilst knowing that the man is nothing but kindness personified away from the stage.

Bon Voyage is the best fun had at a wake since Lazarus rose from the dead and pronounced that he felt much better and offering free wine for everyone in Bethany. Bon Voyage is highly enjoyable and more than enough to raise the spirits.

Ian D. Hall