Live theatre review of Bouncers
Bouncers; 17th of October at High Wycombe Swan Theatre.
Bouncers is a comical, yet serious dive into urban nightlife. The actors use multi-role to play a variety of different characters with hilarious results. Throughout the updated version of the play, John Godber (original writer and director) highlighted his intentions through Lucky Eric’s daunting monologues; we still drink too much as a society today. Nonetheless, the dated stereotypes and the use of Frank Sinatra and ‘Thriller’ did make the play feel slightly dated.
The play list seemed to be the most updated part of Bouncers; the current music, including artists like LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, Stooshe and Rihanna, was very popular with the predominately young audience. The pace of the music set the tone for certain scenes. For example, when they used Frank Sinatra; the bouncers seemed reminiscent. As if they missed the connection they once had with the punters before society had progressed. Also, the up-tempo music used in the club suggested that society isn’t prepared to wait for the bouncers. The staging was also excellently prosecuted; the neon ASYLUM sign and vast stage with few props added with the vibrant music being pumped into the increasingly energetic theatre prepared the audience for the show. The spotlight placed on Eric during his monologues really made us focus on what he was saying; Godber intended for us to try and really understand Lucky Eric’s moral compass and compassion. In contrast, the flashing lights used for the nightclub set an energetic mood and made us feel more upbeat.
Bouncers was performed at a traditional proscenium theatre. This is mainly because they were touring but, due to the high levels of direct address; placing an invisible fourth wall between the actors and the audience meant that we were less engaged and felt that we were looking in as opposed to being directly involved. This is especially true for those sitting higher up. However, it meant that we were able to
Bouncers is a comical, yet serious dive into urban nightlife. The actors use multi-role to play a variety of different characters with hilarious results. Throughout the updated version of the play, John Godber (original writer and director) highlighted his intentions through Lucky Eric’s daunting monologues; we still drink too much as a society today. Nonetheless, the dated stereotypes and the use of Frank Sinatra and ‘Thriller’ did make the play feel slightly dated.
The play list seemed to be the most updated part of Bouncers; the current music, including artists like LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, Stooshe and Rihanna, was very popular with the predominately young audience. The pace of the music set the tone for certain scenes. For example, when they used Frank Sinatra; the bouncers seemed reminiscent. As if they missed the connection they once had with the punters before society had progressed. Also, the up-tempo music used in the club suggested that society isn’t prepared to wait for the bouncers. The staging was also excellently prosecuted; the neon ASYLUM sign and vast stage with few props added with the vibrant music being pumped into the increasingly energetic theatre prepared the audience for the show. The spotlight placed on Eric during his monologues really made us focus on what he was saying; Godber intended for us to try and really understand Lucky Eric’s moral compass and compassion. In contrast, the flashing lights used for the nightclub set an energetic mood and made us feel more upbeat.
Bouncers was performed at a traditional proscenium theatre. This is mainly because they were touring but, due to the high levels of direct address; placing an invisible fourth wall between the actors and the audience meant that we were less engaged and felt that we were looking in as opposed to being directly involved. This is especially true for those sitting higher up. However, it meant that we were able to