Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
Cast: Ruth Alexander Rubin, Eithne Browne, Dennis Conlon, Annie Edwards, Greg Fossard, Hayley Hampson, Phil Hearne, Paul Kissaun, Olwen Rees.
It is a question of definition, of how your generation will be remembered, not by the politics it suffered or the times they live through, but by the music that they send up the charts and the beat they constructed in alleyways, clubs and bars. Music is the beat of the heart and if the heart keeps pumping then the music stays alive and in Dave Simpson’s gentle but absorbing musical comedy, The Golden Oldies, music is not just the food of love, it is the art that keeps all staying alive.
A legend of the Liverpool theatre, Eithne Browne has given much pleasure over the years in various outings upon the boards, she has given hope, courage and memorable performances in equal measure and never ever lets down an audience; such is the ability of this iconic lady of stage that she still finds a way to bring a sense of perspective to the role at hand. As Dementia sufferer Beryl, who finds reconnection through music, she is arguably on the finest form of her life. At one point the power of Dusty Springfield’s captivating tones are overshadowed by the enormity by the presence of Ms. Browne, she really brings tears to the eyes in a way that is glorious and utterly, devastatingly beautiful.
Joined by the immense talent of Hayley Hampson, Greg Fossard and the superb Paul Kissaun, Eithne Browne really hammers home the part of Beryl, the sadness, the feeling of being lost in one’s own thoughts and clouded memories and the hope, the sheer magnitude of the prospect of holding on to the day, is one that is framed with honour by the cast and Dave Simpson’s script.
The Golden Oldies is a production of great satisfaction, of gentleness, of desire and not for a single minute does it let the audience tear their eyes away from the unfolding joy on stage; Hayley Hampson serves up a treat as wayward Faryl and Paul Kissaun is a godsend to the days of the 50s and 60s music.
To shake, rattle and roll may be the label on the bottle of multi-vitamin tablets that the baby boomer generation now adhere to but they were certainly the luckiest of us all, they had arguably the best music in which to grow up with; The Golden Oldies are after all usually the best.
Ian D. Hall