ERICS - Liverpool Everyman

Erics by Mark Davies Markham
Liverpool Everyman Theatre
Review by Sarah O’Toole

Markham is no stranger from turning the 70’s and 80’s music eras into a musical production having previously turned the life story of Boy George into the Musical Taboo, but with this new turn by the Liverpool born writer he focus’ on his own battle with cancer and the story of Liverpool’s famous and iconic punk club Erics.

This is very much a show for the local crowd and I couldn’t see this production being as successful with a wider audience as its predecessor (Once Upon a Time at the Adelphi) but that doesn’t mean to say it’s not as good! This show sizzles with recognisable characters from the late 70’s and 80’s punk era of which many of the characteristics had the audience in stitches especially Oliver Jacksons performance as Julian Cope (Tear Drop.) and the narrative flows at just the right pace, its often the case that shows like this can be overly sentimental, but it’s the light hearted humour that keeps this show on the right track. Soutra Gilmour delights the crowd with an audience encompassing set that puts you right in the heart of the action and one that still makes the Everyman one of the most intimate and unique spaces within the industry.

Musical Director Laura Bangay also Lead Keys deserves recognition as the live music was most defiantly the highlight of the evening but I feel as previously stated that if you were not from the area or familiar with the era then this musical may just pass you by.