Review: THE SCOUSE RED RIDING HOOD, Liverpool Royal Court
Photo credit: Atanas Paskalev
Raucous laughter, the best pop hits and a sprinkle of Christmas spirit, The Scouse Red Riding Hood is one hoot of a show for anyone who is looking for a child-free night to remember.
Best friends, Red and Blue, played by Lydia Rosa Morales Scully and Adam McCoy respectively, are on a mission to get Grandma’s medicine, save the cottage from repossession and avoid the fable of the werewolves. With help from friends, they aim to spread a load of fun along the way, singing and dancing as they go. From Whitney to Britney and a little B*Witched, this show is packed full of toe-tapping, upbeat hits to sing and dance along to.
This piece does not need a large cast to make the show a hit, and the eight members of the ensemble make sure each audience member has a good time, with each as notable as the next. Woody and Sue are the ultimate evil duo, whom Andrew Schofield and Keddy Sutton play with impeccable versatility and comedic timing. Lindzi Germain and Liam Tobin’s portrayals of Grandma Riding Hood and Bob the Builder add a spark to the performance with their romcom mix.
Aforementioned Red and Blue bring the high energy and emotion through their renditions of ‘Rocketman’ and ‘Greatest Day’, whilst vocalists (and ‘Stage Manager’) Emma-Grace Arends and Chantel Cole stun with their vocal abilities in each track. Special mention should be awarded to Cole for her tear-jerking take on Houston’s ‘One Moment In Time’. Whilst the rest of the show is full of laughter, Cole’s vocals connect with each audience member in a truly poignant moment.
The Scouse Red Riding Hood could not exist without the phenomenal band who knock out hit after hit. The set design, by Ellie Light, allows for a multi location narrative which transitions with ease. This piece is made by true professionals in the trade.
If you are looking for a show that’s packed with racy content, this may not be the show for you, but if you’re looking for a bit of foul mouthed adult fun, you should definitely take a trip to the Royal Court Theatre in Liverpool this Christmas. Your spirits are sure to be lifted.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Harley Keasey