Mam! I’m ‘Ere!, Theatre Review. The Dome, Liverpool.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *

Cast: Rachel Rae, Eithne Browne, Andrew Schofield, Helen Carter, Alan Stocks, Stephen Fletcher, Keddy Sutton, Paul Duckworth, Catherine Morris, Lauren Southwick.

The Dome may not be the most obvious venue for a theatrical production to make its maiden debut in the city; however the acting company that gave their all for the sensational Mam! I’m ‘Ere! more than made the grand old lady very proud and the audience dance and sing with vigour and with a lot of joy.

With a family firm fading in its popularity and a young woman embarking on the next stage of her life, the scene was set for a huge amount of the much expected customary fun as the incredible comradeship between the entire cast was nothing short of first-rate.

Disco and the thought of Liverpool’s acting legend Andrew Schofield may not be the most obvious combination to showcase together but in his usual stoic stance and with that special twinkle he reserves for every performance, Andrew Schofield, the excellent pairing of Paul Duckworth and Alan Stocks swept the feet of the leading ladies with all the right moves. The female leads were magical in their performance and as Helen Carter has proved time and time again has one of the most amazing voices in the business and had the entire audience spellbound with her singing.

Eithne Browne excelled in her performance and gave her character, the very likeable Brenda, a solid and deeply passionate edge and alongside Keddy Sutton, arguably the funniest woman working in Liverpool and stunning Rachel Rea as the daughter who wants nothing more than a mum to be with her on her big day, the female leads shone and captured the piece superbly.

Stephen Fletcher, whose voice and sublime acting has long held Liverpool audiences spellbound over the years must take a huge bow for what he has managed to achieve with Mam! I’m ‘Ere! but even this talented actor would be the first to admit that the amazing cast, the superb musicians and everybody who has given their time for this fabulous and stupendous show have been nothing short of outstanding. If it takes guts and determination to put on any type of show, whether a fringe, an amateur production or full scale extravaganza, then this cast; this production has the biggest and amazing fortitude, upmost strength and belief.

Mam! I’m ‘Ere is a knockabout, tremendously funny and must see piece of theatre which is as good as new!

Ian D. Hall