Theatre Review:- "Blackridge" at the Hope Street Theatre in Liverpool

THE next instalment of Warnock was performed at the Hope Street Theatre. Blackridge, like the previous play, is set in a youth detention centre and loosely follows on from the original storyline.

The staging of Blackridge ran from:- 15 Match to 17 March 2024. Sadly, it was not as successful as Warnock was. From what we could see this could have been the current economic uncertainty within the country. Also, a very strange new mandatory alcohol charge has been added to the cost of the tickets by the theatre. These factors appear to have had an adverse effect on the numbers that City Theatre was accustomed to reaching. This was a huge shame, as this was definitely a must see show for serious theatre goers.

This production started with a warning about suicide and domestic abuse, due to the content within the play. This not only was a good thing, in case it affected anyone watching, but it also helped set the tone of the performance. In fact, at the showing we attended you could hear a pin drop throughout both halves, so intense was the audience’s concentration.

So what about the script? This time, the story starts off after a massive fire had destroyed Warnock. We are told that as a result, the original detainees had to be moved to other facilities, with some being sent to Blackridge. The extremely strict regime at this new institution quickly shocked the new intake and the former Warnock staff who had been redeployed to the centre. As the story unfolds, we hear that some of the original inmates from Warnock had died in the fire and as the plot progresses it transpired one of Warnock’s former detainees was holding back a dark secret. These revelations at Blackridge would ultimately lead into the play’s climatic ending.

We would love to say it is all roses and all amazing, but Barry Lavy must stop using his rather predictable format for future plays. Also, yet again, the lack of props and scenery was a bit disappointing, but to be expected, due to the nature of the venue’s layout. Oddly, saying that, this was probably the best show we have seen from Barry. This script and the very good acting meant this was a very immersive and gripping, gritty, theatrical journey. Yes, some artistic license was taken, with its portrayal of a youth detention centre for girls; however, it did raise some very good questions about the complexities of life within these confined walls. The cast was extremely good, so it was impossible to pick out anybody special as they all delivered a very good performance throughout.

If this heads back to the stage again, do not overlook it.

Did you attend? We would love to hear from you and know what you thought about the show…

Our verdict has to be:- 5 out of 5. A strong cast and strong performance, only let down by the fact this deserves to be on a bigger stage with a bigger budget, but that is only our opinion.

For more information about City Theater please visit:- CityEntertainmentGroup.Co.UK, also please check out Hope Street Theater's website for other upcoming shows.
 

Our rating:- 5 out of 5

Blackridge Cast:-

Harry - Joe Gordon
Miss Taylor - Libbie Cowburn
Kerry Glover - Molly Riley
Runt - Celia Lavelle-Hitchen
Harlow Glover - Taylor Egan
Greg - John Forrester
Lynn Johnson - Alix Meakin
Miss Hardy - Shannon Griffiths
Dave Rodgers - Matt Hanlon
Mr Hughes - Sam Jones-Arthur
Aimee Mitchell - Hannah Edwards
Stacey Knightly - Lexi King
Spider - Abi Tyrer
Mr Stein - Sean Campbell
Tyrus - Hannah Price
Dr Shane Ramsey - Jamie Gallagher
Governor - Gemma Harrison
Georgia Atkins - Becca Southwick
Dodge - Johnny Sedgwick Davies

If you attended the show and were affected by the story, please remember you can get help 24 hours a day via Samaritans by calling the helpline:- 116123 or txting:- 'SHOUT' to:- 852558.

We are pleased to confirm that our media arm, VAMPHire.Com of the business is now looking at making Warnock into a TV series, as this play really upped the game.

Liverpool Philharmonic to Hold Music Industry Careers Fest

HERE’S everything you need to know about DinoTown Southport with families set to enjoy brand new brick built dinosaurs, giant chocolate eggs, and dino themed activities, thanks to Southport BID and local businesses. Get ready for some prehistoric fun during DinoTown, as dinosaurs descend between:- Friday, 29 March and Sunday, 14 April 2024.  There’s so much to do for groups, families, and dino fanatics alike.  Here's all you need to know about DinoTown Southport!

• What’s on during DinoTown? 
  
  The 'BRICKOSAURS' exhibition will give visitors the chance to come face to face with incredible brick built dinosaur models, made from over 550,000 bricks. Budding:- 'Dino Rangers' will be tasked with discovering facts and figures about each model.
  
  The dinosaurs include a pair of colossal Velociraptors, a club tailed Ankylosaur, and a majestic Pteranodon in mid flight.  Not forgetting the vibrant green Parasaurolophus, which is constructed of over 110,00 bricks alone!
  
  There’s more fun to be had at the Dinormous Egg Hunt, which will see six gigantic chocolate dinosaur eggs created by Chocolate Whirled hidden in locations around Southport Town Centre.  Find them all and you could be in with the chance of winning one of the Dinormous eggs!
  
  There’s also Dino Selfie Zones, at:- ASDA Southport and Silcock’s Flavours Ice Cream Parlour, and the Mini Dino Egg Hunt at Matalan and Vue Cinema.
  

• When and where is DinoTown taking place?
  
  All activities are taking place between:- Friday, 29 March and Sunday, 14 April 2024.
  
  You can find the:- 'BRICKOSAURS' in Lord Street Gardens (opposite Sainsbury’s) and stores in the Chapel Street and Lord Street area.
  
  There are further activities taking place in multiple locations across Southport Town Centre, including:- Ocean Plaza and M Park Central 12.
  
  The best way to plan your adventure is to follow a DinoTown activity map.
  

• How do I get a DinoTown activity map?
  
  Physical maps will be available to collect from:- Sainsbury’s, ASDA, Marks and Spencer Café, Vue Cinema, The Atkinson and other businesses in Southport Town Centre.
  
  View the map online, or print off your own at:- SouthportBID.Com/Dinotown
  

• Is there a cost to attend DinoTown?
  
  The 'BRICKOSAURS' exhibition, Dinormous Egg Hunt and other DinoTown activities can all be attended free.
  

• What else is happening during DinoTown?
  
  Southport Town Centre businesses are hosting events to coincide with DinoTown. 
  
  Take part in dinosaur themed craft workshops at:- The Atkinson, ‘Meet The Dinosaurs’ at Wayfarers Arcade, and enjoy DinoDay at The Entertainer.

All this plus colouring competitions, screenings, and much more. For more information on all the activities and events taking place, head to What’s on during DinoTown Southport