Billy Liar

 Billy Liar is a novel set in Yorkshire and was written by Keith Waterhouse in 1959, who then went on to co-wright with Willis Hall a three-act stage play of his novel in 1960, Waterhouse describes the play as a comedy/tragedy. Directed by Sean Duxbury, the story has been moved on in time to 1964 and revolves around nineteen-year-old unmarried, Billy Fisher who was excellently played by Robert Walsh, he had spot on comic timing along with a very good understanding and insight into Billy’s complex character. Billy has been brought up in a respectable middle class family of the time and still lives with his parents.  Geoffrey Fisher, Billy’s father was played by David Reid who gave an expert characterization of a man who doesn’t show his feeling except in temper, and who’s relationship with his son has broken down, which provided the main source of conflict in the story. Jess Taylor in the role Billy’s mother Alice Fisher brought sympathy and patience to her character and is also bewildered about her son’s behavior. His Grandmother Florence Boothroyd also lives with the family, is a little confused and has conversations with herself, she was comically played by Cathy Hurley who also skillfully highlighted the underlying sadness of her character. Billy is frustrated and fed up with his job as an Undertakers Clerk where he works with his friend Arthur Crabtree who was convincingly played by Sean Roberts, Arthur tries to cover for Billy at work and joins in the misbehavior at first, however his attitude towards Billy changes by the end of the play. Billy dreams of escaping to London to become a comedy writer, but he is already withdrawing into a world of whacky comedy inside his head and is a compulsive liar, which allows him a brief respite from his boring life but unfortunately it is never a real escape and his storytelling and lies has a devastating effect on all his friends and family. He has three girlfriends with very different characters who were all played  with confidence by three young promising actresses, they include Charli Bradbury as  one of his fiancés the prim and proper Barbara , Olivia Chandler as the feisty Rita who wants her engagement ring back which Billy has now given to Barbara and the third girlfriend Liz (Becky Chamberlain) who suddenly reappears in Billy’s life towards the end  of the play, Liz is the one girl  who understands Billy and he really cares for her, but his parents don’t approve because she is scruffy, so Liz and Billy  decide  to run away together to London on the night train.
 
 This was a very funny superbly acted play with brusque northern humour, performed at just the right pace with very good comic timing and clear diction.  The cast worked together well and the family and other relationships were believable. There is lots of superb comedy in the script but the cast and Director expertly acknowledge the suggestion of an underlying pathos and confusion, prompted by the ideas of an exciting and changing time where young people were rebelling against the restrictions imposed by the older generation, Billy is trying to find his own identity while unfortunately at the same time destroying his home and family life. However, at the end of the play after packing his case and going to meet Liz at the station to catch the train to London, Billy changes his mind and sneaks back home without a resolution.

The Scenery was a superb single set which made full use of the stage area, it consisted of a combined living room, hallway, and porch of a 1960’s middle class home which gave excellent views of all action and the stage, the set and production were also enhanced by excellent technical input. Costumes were just right for the period and added to the character of the production. Well done to Stage Manager Siobhan Edge, the set builders, props, all the backstage, and technical crew and to everyone involved in bringing this excellent production to the stage.

Congratulations to Director Sean Duxbury, thank you for inviting us we had a very enjoyable evening, we look forward to seeing you for your next production.

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