The Stage

Scouse Pacific

Published Wednesday 1 December 2010 at 15:23 by Chris High

On a cold and windy winter’s night, what better remedy could there possibly be for the chills and mounting bills than an evening watching a surreal play that is cleverly written, brilliantly acted and totally crazy?

A scene from Scouse Pacific at the Royal Court, Liverpool Photo: Dave Evans

In 1800, a Scouse whaler is washed up on a desert island inhabited only by man-hungry women. In 2010, a similar fate is suffered by Father O’Flaherty and the all-singing Von Trappist nuns. The priest and nuns are confronted by the offspring of the whaler, who only know of Liverpool through washed-up editions of the Liverpool Echo and hanker to experience the sights and sounds of the city for themselves.

Under normal circumstances, such an absurd story would be best avoided. However, Lawless has the ability to make even the most ridiculous plot work, delivering fun with a capital ‘f’.

The cast is brilliant. However, it is not the story that counts but the feeling that everything is just one tiny step from disaster, which is engaging.

With some truly terrible puns and so much laughter filling the auditorium, it is safe to say that, although hardly the most original play around, Scouse Pacific will keep audiences warm until April, when the Royal Court’s next production opens following refurbishment of the theatre.