Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Liverpool Empire Review
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Liverpool Empire
7-11 July 2015
Reviewed by Susan Trish
We arrived at the beautiful Empire Theatre in Liverpool and collected our tickets from the friendly and helpful staff and made our way to the bar. As usual with this stunningly traditional theatre the atmosphere was electric and the air was filled with excitement.
The piano bar is beautifully decorated and the service was, as always, fantastic even on such a busy night like tonight.
Seated in the circle area of the theatre we had spectacular views of the stage and the stunning orchestra. This was completely new to me as I have always thought the seats on the same level as the stage were brilliant – this was mind blowing.
The atmosphere was brilliant as the lights went down and I can honestly say the cast had me hooked from the get go. With no preconceptions about the show, apart from someone likening it to our modern day hustler, I had no idea what to expect.
Michael Praed, playing the hysterically suave Laurence Jameson, was absolutely fantastic. Funny AND handsome – no wonder the ladies found him irresistible as he moved from coast to coast in search of his next victim, I mean true love. Helped along by the chief of police, Andre Thibault – played by the brilliant Mark Benton Laurence finds himself on a train with scamster Freddy Benson, played by the equally brilliant Noel Sullivan.
Knowing a fellow scammer when he sees one, Laurence plays it smooth and decides to keep his enemy close to his chest and show Freddy the ropes.
Targeting the gorgeous Christine Colgate, played by the stunning Carley Stenson, the men get to work on winning her, and her purse, over.
I have to say from start to finish the orchestra were amazing, there is something quite magical about watching a show with such fabulous live music. There were even some funny moments of interaction between the cast and the musicians – genius.
The singing and dancing by the entire cast was pitch perfect throughout, with a particularly brilliant scene with the beautiful Phoebe Coupe, playing brazen Jolene Oakes, performing Oklahoma just perfectly. Have to mention the “All about Ruprecht” scene which had the entire theatre up laughing!!
The second half of the show took its brilliance to the next level in my opinion, non-stop laughter and brilliant performances. The chemistry between all the cast was evident as they bounced off each other with perfection.
Finally finding love, the chief of police and the fantastic Geraldine Fitzgerald playing the naive Murial Eubanks played their second act scenes to perfection! The singing, dancing and comical scenes made for some really funny and memorable viewing “Like ziz Like zat!!”.
The costumes and the set were excellent, making full use of the stage, effortless scene changes and reflecting the acts perfectly – full credit to everyone there.
I can honestly say this show had me hooked from start to finish, with the perfect balance of comedy and story line and some amazing vocals – it is a must see for everyone!!!
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £12.90 to £49.40 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is at the Liverpool Empire until 11 July 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 8713017.
Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 1JE | 0844 8713017
