Bouncers

Bouncers

Port Sunlight Players

20/6/25

On Friday evening I had the pleasure of watching John Godber’s Bouncers at the Gladstone Theatre Port Sunlight. The theatre was buzzing; it was great to see the show was so well attended: a full house. Written by the prolific working-class writer John Godber, ‘Bouncers Remix’ is a fresh take on the 1984 original, now set in the vibrant disco era of the 1990’s night life. This is a high energy comedic play known for its hilarious and hard-hitting sharpe one-liners. The show is highly physical, with the actors seamlessly transitioning between various characters, including the bouncers themselves, club-goers, and even the girls dancing around their handbags.

Bouncers use a minimal set (four beer kegs and two metal barriers) and rely on the versatility and skill of its four nightclub bouncers, Lucky Eric (Jason Collinson) sensitively provides a counterpoint to the high-energy scenes, delivering poignant monologues that offer social commentary. Les (John Harvey) Ralph (Chris McEvoy) and Judd (Ben Parry-Yates) exploring themes of masculinity, social commentary, and the darker side of nightlife. Strongly influenced by expressionism the four actor’s multi-role over twenty different characters, using mime and tableaux as well as dialogue to tell its story. We were treated to incredible performances from these four extremely talented actors, using the third wall brilliantly you were with them every inch of the way. We were treated to a screamingly funny ride through one of those nights as all the gang are out on the town: the boys, the girls, the cheesy DJ, and the taxi home. Hilarious. 

 Director Emma Gorden freely admits Bouncers is her ‘all-time favourite’ play, overseeing Costume Design, Choreography and Stage management she fulfilled a dream. Working together with Lewis Bradley who was responsible for Lighting Design and sound operation throughout the show. This was a motivated and dedicated production team.

I did a little homework for ‘Bouncers’ which was first seen at the Edinburgh fringe in 1977.I was amazed to read it was voted as one of the greatest plays of the 20th Century in a National Theatre poll, and regularly produced around the world, ‘Bouncers’ was nominated for Comedy of the Year in 1985, won seven Los Angeles Critics' Circle Awards and five awards in Chicago in 1987.

Port Sunlight Players delivered an excellent ensemble piece, while humorous, they successfully delivered a play that delves into the seedy underbelly of nightlife, prompting reflection on the behaviours and attitudes of the time, some of which still resonate today. The audience loved every full-on minute, it was amazing,’ Bouncers’ is not so much a play as it is a social phenomenon.

Thank you for my invitation it was a blast, you should by very proud.

Joanne Rymer

NODA

District 4.

 

 

 

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