Bouncers

This was my first visit to the Theatre in 18 months and I have to say that watching a production of one of the most performed plays in the UK, namely John Godber’s comedy classic, “Bouncers”  superbly produced and performed by CADOS was a wonderful way to celebrate 

First published in 1977 then updated for performances in the 1980s and 1990s, the play is set in and around the “Mr Cinders’’ nightclub during the 1990’s. This excellent fast paced demanding production was directed by the very talented Steve Unsworth who also found time to play one of the roles. We were very lucky to see outstanding strong performances from four very talented actors who complimented each other excellently, each one playing a very different character. There was Judd (Danny Price) who had brawn but not much brain, then there was Les (Joe Mills) whose priority was looking for a fight, Ralph (Jacob Prince) was comedic and sometimes the voice of reason, then there was the eldest and longest serving, Lucky Eric (Steve Unsworth) the philosopher who was rather troubled, feeling things were hopeless. He had seen it all, his wife had left him and he was ready to walk away from his job. But, Eric had moments of insightfulness worrying about the dangers of this pleasure seeking lifestyle and reciting poignant soliloquies that had serious themes which were very moving

Here we have four tuxedo-clad doormen who take us on a wonderful and, sometimes, insightful journey. They used a plethora of talents such as mimicry, song and dance routines, brilliant comic timing and a very funny slow-motion fight sequence all to give us an insight into the many different types of people that venture into the town for a night out. We also see the effect of drinking too much alcohol with all its outrageous behaviour and harmful consequences. We see the actors morph into more than 20 hilarious characters changing from one to another smoothly in an instant without help from costume changes, except as girls they carry shoulder bags, only movement, body language and voice are used to bring the characters to life. They include four rather crude desperate, young men who have saved up for their weekly night out with one objective in mind which is to score, their scene in the gents toilet was a particularly funny interlude. There were four lovesick girls who we first see getting ready to go out for the night, they flounced about the stage with their handbags across their shoulders, getting very drunk while trying to find a man. I thought they were the funniest of the characters or perhaps maybe I was influenced by seeing four burly men in these female personas. There were wonderfully funny posh public school rugby players and a smooth talking DJ with a fake American accent. I would not be surprised if many in the audience were taken back in time and saw themselves being parodied on stage.

The action takes place outside the main doors of the night club and the excellent set designed and built by Michael Taylor, Shaun McManus, Steve Catterall and Paul Carr added to the authenticity of the action and the general feeling of the play, as did lighting and sound designed and co-ordinated by Paul Carr and operated by Paul Carr and Ellie Brookfield, they also treated us to an enjoyable soundtrack of music enhancing the different situations and emotions throughout the production. Costumes were organized by Sandra Dickinson, the on-set posters were by Rebecca Moran and the poster and programme design was by Ian Robinson.

Bouncers is still a very enjoyable comedic play with lots of laughs, but some might say that a number of the views highlighted in the script are somewhat dated and could be frowned upon in this 'MeToo world' meaning there maybe room for further updating. However, one only has to listen to the dialogue to hear the play balances different elements, things are going on in the background as it has some very astute observations about life and tries to highlight many social problems as well as the pointlessness and the problems associated with the club lifestyle which are still generally relevant in life today. 

This was an outstanding production and it appeared the audience thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Congratulations to all involved in bringing this production to the stage. I thought bringing the cast out into the auditorium before the start helped the atmosphere and made the audience feel like they were participating in the action. I don’t think I will forget seeing four tuxedo clad men performing a Spice Girls number - this was one of the highlights of the evening for me. Thank you very much for inviting us. I hope to see you again in the future.   

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