Night Out At: Some Mothers Do 'Ave' Em
On a cold, rainy Friday night, I braved my way to the charming Little Theatre in Birkenhead, the home of the Carlton Players, to step back in time to the '70s and witness the play adaptation of the uproarious and occasionally un-PC world of 'Some Mothers Do Ave ‘em.' Featuring the sweet, childlike, and accident-prone Frank and his patient, loving wife, Betty, the performance served as a delightful and cozy theatrical comfort blanket.
The set was truly exceptional, complete with a '70s serving hatch, kitchen, and a fabulous living room adorned with images of Jesus and '70s crooners Des O’Connor and Englebert Humperdinck to conceal wall imperfections. Music played a significant role, setting the tone with '70s hits both before the show and during the interval. Various sounds, including a timer for a nonexistent meal, a doorbell prompting the couple to quieten it by banging on the wall, and a ringing phone, orchestrated a lively concerto.
Recognising a few faces in the cast, I observed the perfectly cast main characters, Frank and Betty. Tom Jenkinson, a recent drama graduate of Liverpool John Moores, portrayed Frank with his unique touch, eliciting laughter and sympathy. Lucy Ashdown, with a year's tenure at the Carlton Players, delivered a wonderful performance as the long-suffering wife, Betty, maintaining a believable rapport between the two.
The first act primarily focused on the couple, with the addition of Irish Father O'Hara, played by the delightfully straight-faced and serious Brian Dickson. The second act introduced more characters, including David Worthington, the insurance man, and Barbara, Betty's disapproving mother, leading to a chaotic and dinnerless affair.
The ensuing bawdy British humor featured rude noises linked to prune wine, a risqué tableau of a trouserless Frank performing the Heimlich maneuver (or 'Heineken maneuver,' in Frank’s words), and guests constantly dodging broken furniture. A delightfully mad rooster in the living room's Wendy house added to the comedic mayhem.
The second half escalated in humor and pace, featuring Paul Griggs as Terry Luscombe, a cliché '70s BBC Producer, and Evan Dunn as Leslie Robin, a natural deadpan comedian. Both, in their dual roles, contributed to the madcap energy needed, revealing their undercover roles as coppers.
The play concluded on a satisfying note, with the baddie captured, Frank and Betty still together, and the promise of more comedic performances. The Carlton Players, known for attracting and showcasing new talent, creating remarkable sets, and maintaining an impressive costume room, could amplify their impact with an enhanced social media presence.
The performance brought much-needed laughter, with audience engagement during the interval's raffle adding to the overall enjoyment. Observing a mix of familiar and new faces on stage left me contemplating a binge-watch of old series episodes. The Carlton Players, always seeking new members, will hold auditions for upcoming shows in the new year, and plans for a new studio space in the bar area are underway, featuring diverse events such as spoken word nights and play readings. Stay updated on their social media platforms for more information.
Words By, Clare McGrath
Edited by, Amy Brennan