Achy Breaky Bride at St Helens Theatre Royal Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Alison Rood
With the recent loss of our country Queen, Dolly, Country music has been taking over the airwaves and rekindling our love for the genre. So when I was invited to watch ‘Achy Breaky Bride’ at St Helens Theatre Royal, I was thrilled.
The theatre; 700 seats so feels intimate, and great views from wherever you end up sitting. Well organised, good bars and toilet facilities. Public car parks within short walking distance.
The show; Written by David Paul and Emma Culshaw, produced and directed by Chantelle Joseph, the show is country comedy. With a cast list featuring local loves such as Liverpool’s Leanne Campbell, David Heath (X Factor) and Liverpool’s drag icon, Shania Pain, the show was guaranteed to be a laugh from the get go.
And a laugh it was.
Let me preface this review by saying that Achy Breaky Bride is not a typical musical or theatre show. Think of it as a risqué country style panto. This show isn’t for the prudes – so take this as a warning! If however you’ve got that typical scouse humour and don’t mind a bit, ok a lot, of filth, then this show will have you howling.
The story is set in Jolene’s (Leanne Campbell) bridal shop, Dolly’s dream dresses, which sees a stream of friends, family and customers come through its doors, all creating their own drama and dropping hilarious one liners. There’s never a dull moment in the shop; cheating spouses, bridezillas, dramatic mother in laws and even a flasher!
Faye the “trusty” sales assistant (no spoilers here) and Jolene’s twin brother “a boy named” Sue, work with Jolene 9-5 helping brides get ready for their big day. As each bride’s story unfolds, the cast belt out complimentary country tunes such as stand by your man and rose garden. Modern tunes also make their way into the show, with a brilliant dance break done to Beyoncé’s Texas Hold ‘em.
It isn’t just the customers love lives that are dramatic. Jolene’s failed engagement heartbreak runs parallel to everyone else’s love stories. Will she get her happy ending with Hank or end up with an Achy breaky heart? You’ll have to buy a ticket and find out!
The cast; Leanne Campbell (Jolene) David Heath (Sue) and Faye (Jenna Sian O’Hara) were the three leads and were fantastic. Having only really heard Leanne present on the radio, she absolutely blew me away with her vocals. Who knew little Leanne has such a good set of lungs on her!
Rachael wood and Katy McKenna played multiple roles which I always find impressive. Valencia, Darlene, Austra, Venezuela, Hattie and Leah.
Conor Barrie’s accent as Hank was pretty decent and he looked great in his red panties.
Shania Pain played herself and Mikey with amazing stage presence and costumes.
I do want to give a special mention to Kay Nicholson as all her characters (Paris, Martha, Ta-ra, Gladys and Jackie) had me in stitches. Yes, much of that will of course be down to the writers, but the way she delivered her lines just made it. Ta-ra had me in absolute bulk.
Overall, if you’re into country music, innuendos and belly laughs, this is definitely the show for you. Grab yourself a ticket, sing along and prepare to be entertained by this thigh slapping country musical.
Adults only!!
Rating: 5/5
The show runs at St Helens Theatre Royal until Sunday 27th September with both evening shows and matinees. Tickets for Achy Breaky Bride are available from www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com priced at £25 plus 50p booking fee.