Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *

Cast: Paul Broughton, Danny O’ Brien, Louis Emerick, Michael Starke.

The 1980s nightclub, the big night out, big hair, cheaper beer, even cheaper aftershave and perfume sprayed on as liberally as showering underneath Victoria Falls for five days and then taking a dip in a swimming pool to get that real deep down scent. This was the time, depending on where you were living and your circumstances dictated in which Saturday night was the highlight of the week, the chance to meet the girl of your dreams, the man of your nightmares and all washed down with enough alcohol to drown an angel on a week-long bender on a Spanish holiday, all you had to do was get past the Bouncers on the door.

John Godber’s superbly scripted comedy has returned to the Royal Court Theatre for the second time in as many years and whilst Mark Womack is sadly missing from the cast list this year the play has lost nothing with the generous Louis Emerick taking over the role. With the returning three actors from the much admired run last year, the ever sensational Michael Starke, the comforting presence of Paul Broughton as Lucky Eric, whose solo monologues add a depth of feeling that other productions could only dream of and the increasingly respected and appreciated Danny O’Brien, who has become such a great actor to have on stage, Bouncers is a play in which to make sure you do not, under any circumstances, miss.

With the locals all heading to the in spot in town, four bouncers look down upon those coming in with the same disagreeable look that you would give to a beetle walking over your shoe, these though aren’t just four men guarding the door to an inner sanctum, they have a philosophy, a reason to the nature of the job and it is up to you to make sure that you don’t end up on the wrong side of the closed door.  With all sorts of people from every available part of life being played by the four actors there is no time to search for your funny bone, the characters they draw upon are real, hilarious and honest but it is the bouncers who have the last say in all conversations.

The relationship between the four actors on stage is palpable, the comfortable feel of not just four utter professionals on stage giving the audience one of the best nights out of the year but also four mates who know just how to react to a cunning knowing glance at the drop of a discreet hat, the look that passes between them when one says something unexpected, this is relaxed, strictly secure and skilled comedy. It is always in the hands of those who can handle such proficient and expert moments. It makes for what should be an excellent night out into one of utter conviction, of a play that you want to watch over and over again.

Flash your I.D., revel in the self-assurance of four great actors making a superb show, one in which to bound to with a spring in your step and clear your diary for.

Ian D. Hall