Keep On Keepin’ On at Blackpool Central Library Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Cath Joyce
In every town it visits, Northern Soul Productions are doing far more than just putting on a play. Alongside each performance, the company is running workshops and outreach activities that dig into the core themes of the production, using them as a springboard to spark conversations between local businesses, authorities, and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). It has already staged performances in a shop in Crewe and a Working Men’s Club in Blackburn and we saw it last night at their final location – Blackpool.
At the heart of this play is the story of a working-class family, grappling with the everyday pressures of life in a changing town centre. It’s a story that echoes across high streets up and down the country, of shuttered shops, struggling traders, and communities trying to hold onto their identity. By placing these lived realities centre stage, Northern Soul Productions are inviting audiences not just to watch, but to reflect, respond, and act. Blackpool was chosen as one of three key venues to host the show, a nod to the town’s deep connection with the Northern Soul movement. The legendary Blackpool Mecca once stood as a cultural heartbeat of the scene, and today, Northern Soul weekenders still draw thousands to the town.
Written by Mick Martin, Keep On Keepin’ On is the sequel to his acclaimed 2003 play Once Upon a Time in Wigan. At the heart is the story of Eugene and Maxine, once teenage sweethearts who first fell in love on the Northern Soul dance floor. Now in their 60s and long estranged, they are brought back into each other’s lives when Maxine asks for Eugene’s help following their son Liam’s release from prison. Eugene runs a struggling DIY shop that, much like his life, seems frozen in time. With debts spiralling, bailiffs at the door, and pressure mounting at home, he’s forced to confront some painful decisions. As the walls close in, Eugene must decide whether to part with his treasured Northern Soul record collection to save the shop – or whether there’s another way forward.
Blackpool Central Library is not just a venue, it’s part of the story. A grade II historic civic building, it symbolises exactly what this project is about: honouring the past while imagining new futures. It’s an iconic setting for a production rooted in place, people, and potential. With simple props and the use of projection, the library room was transformed into Eugene’s Northern Soul themed discount home improvement shop and with a smaller audience it was easy to feel part of the performance. Music, of course, played a central role in the story, filling the gaps between scenes and running in the background.
The cast is fantastic, all putting their heart and (Northern) soul into their performances. Neil Bell is compelling as Eugene, his performance captures the vulnerability and pride of a character who’s quietly crumbling, and we genuinely feel for him as he wrestles with the fear of losing everything he holds dear. Laura Bayston was great as Krystyna, trying to support Eugene whilst struggling with her own issues. Caroline Chesworth is powerful and commanding as Maxine adding plenty of humour to the play. Ashley Luke Lloyd is raw and energetic as Liam, capturing the restless frustration of a young man recently released from prison and unsure of his place in the world and Christine Walsh brings warmth and humour to the role of Siobhan, offering moments of lightness to the story. She really came into her own towards the end of the play and we loved her scene in the police station.
You don’t need to be a Northern Soul fan to be moved by Keep On Keepin’ On. While the music and cultural references will strike a chord with those who know the scene, the story stands on its own too. We had a great night out and can highly recommend it.
Rating: 5/5
Keep On Keepin’ Up is at Blackpool Central Library until Saturday 31st May 2025 and tickets cost £16 (£12 for concessions).
For more information or to book tickets, visit www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk or call the box office on 01253 290190
Blackpool Central Library, Queen Street, Blackpool, FY1 1PX