Words and Pictures: Elliot Lewis
First review posted in a while, this time just to be different, our dude Elliot went to the theatre.
A recent work colleague and business owner of mine stated he would “support anybody who endeavours in a creative event”. Any creative person may find it is often hard to stay motivated,
focused on your art in a world of struggle. So tip the hat to all those involved in ‘Grin Theatre’, Liverpool’s longest running LGBTQIA fringe theatre company.
Last nights performances showcased some of the best and most talented performers in the area and I was fortunate enough to see four LGBTQ+ plays at Liverpool’s Arts Bar on Hope Street.
The event began with a play titled ‘Pride and Pre-Drinks’, a humorous piece filled with comic gags and numerous twists (including a major one towards the end). The cast were
committed, animated, and, most importantly, very funny, keeping the laughs and the jokes going throughout. The rhythmic flow of the actors felt super natural and expressive, and the story had a
comedic weight akin to that of some of the best comedies out there. As an additional note, I must say that if they ever recast or rebooted the Blackadder TV series, Samuel Blackhurst would be the perfect Lord Flashheart. Just saying.
The second play was titled ‘Straight Mates’, written by Will Cooper and directed by Jane Rhodes. The story took a different direction, focusing on the relationships between three people and a random individual. The play was filled with both tragedy and humour. While it didn’t aim for the same comedic gags as the previous performance, it nonetheless touched the heart and caressed the soul. On a deeper level, this play really connected with the essence of friendship and its complexities. All the characters were fantastic, and the actors performed their roles extremely well. I particularly felt the energy of Jonathan Ali’s character, Ste, and his friendship with Theo and Mickey, not to mention his interactions with Orla. The dimensional weight of this piece drew you into their world, positioning itself nicely between nostalgia and a sense of moving forward.
The third play, ‘By My Name’ was performed after a short break. I have to be careful when describing this play as more ‘intense,’ as it centred around just two characters, performed incredibly by Callum Parker and Megan Price. The simplicity of the two-person cast allowed for a deep exploration of the characters’ emotions and relationships, creating a gripping and intimate atmosphere. The focused narrative and the actors’ performances drew the audience into a profound and moving experience, making the play a standout piece of the event.
Finally, the last piece was titled ‘Lollipops’, directed by Jordan Spratt and written by Wes Williams. The story revolved around the engagement of two characters named Chrissy and Zoe, both
played fantastically by the incredible Katy Wellman and Nicola Hardman. The director, Spratt, alsotook on the role of Shaun, Chrissy’s brother.
Like ‘Straight Mates’ and ‘By My Name’, Lollipops delivered comedy and drama in equal measure. The excitement exuded by the soon-to-be-married couple was mind-blowing; their enthusiasm for each other felt unbelievably real, radiating from the stage and infecting the me with their joy. Every glance, smile, and shared laugh between the couple was filled with genuine emotion. As one would expect with soon-to-be’s. Shaun, too, was a character filled with both depth and brevity. His presence added a nuanced layer to the narrative. All three actors bounced of each other like jelly, or trifle (in-joke there).
After the performance, all the cast members revealed themselves to the crowd, who responded with a well-deserved tribute. I have attended many Grin performances, but I can honestly say this
was one of the best. If you have not seen a Grin performance before, please do check the company out and support them.
In a world increasingly dominated by AI taking artistic jobs and a constant stream of pessimism, it can be tempting to withdraw and avoid engaging with life. However, these performances
reminded us of the genuine complexities of being human—our desires, our ambitions, our passions, and the things that bring us happiness. The plays served as a reminder that we are allowed to be human and make mistakes, but also to enjoy life and surround ourselves with those who genuinely care for us, even if they sometimes hide it.
Oh, and have a laugh too.
Links:
Grin Theatre Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grintheatre