The Lancashire Hotpots A Fistful of Scratchcards at The Lowry Review
The Lancashire Hotpots
A Fistful of Scratchcards
The Lowry, Manchester
23 May 2015
Reviewed by Catherine Joyce
“Listen up cowboys and girls, comedy troubadours The Lancashire Hotpots are donning their Stetsons and saddling up their horses to bring you an evening of music, comedy and a bit of the Wild Wild (North) West. Expect all your usual favourites including Chippy Tea, Shopmobility Scooter as well as rootin’ tootin’ country and western hoedowns from our new album “A Fistful of Scratchcards”. Yee haw!”
For those not familiar with The Lancashire Hotpots they are a comedy folk band that sing about modern life with a strong emphasis on beer and life in the north! The group is made up of Bernard Thresher (Vocals and Lead Guitar), Dickie Ticker (Percussion), Bob Wriggles (Bass), Billy McCartney (Keyboards) and Kenny Body (Drums) and they always put on a great performance.
We were thrilled to be asked to go to The Lowry in Manchester to see The Lancashire Hotpots as we have seen them a couple of times before and are big fans. We have all their albums so spent the 40 minute drive singing along to their songs and looking forward to a great night out. This is the start of their “Fistful of Scratchcards” tour which coincides with the release of their latest CD so we were looking forward to hearing songs from the new album as well some old favourites.
The band encourages audience participation and we were soon up on our feet clapping, dancing and singing along. Bernard skilfully links the songs together and makes use of current events; there were several mentions of tonight’s Eurovision contest along with half time results. I found myself singing along to the songs that I knew and joining in the chorus of the new songs. Unfortunately Bernard’s microphone was faulty during the first half which meant I couldn’t make out some of the words but this was rectified in the interval and the second half was much clearer. The audience was mainly made up of adults but some children were in there and the band does ensure that their shows are family friendly. Last year we saw the Hotpots at Blackpool and thought that the atmosphere was much better at this smaller venue. As well as a few songs from the new album, such as “The Tay-Barn Dance”, “Nan’s Blue Disabled Badge” and “Thirsty Thursday” the band sang plenty of old favourites including the catchy “I Fear Ikea”, “I’m Going to Poundland” and my favourite “The Baking Song” from their last album.
The Lowry is very easy to get to as it is just off the M602 motorway and there is plenty of parking in the large multi storey car park next to the theatre. If you eat in one of the restaurants at The Lowry Centre next door you can park for free, otherwise it costs around £5.50. We made a night of it and ate at The Real China restaurant before the show and were pleasantly surprised to find that theatre goers get a 20% discount upon production of your theatre ticket. The theatre is lovely and clean and all the staff are very helpful and friendly. All the seats have a good view of the stage and there is ample leg room. The Quays Theatre is a perfect size to see a band, large enough that there is an atmosphere yet small enough that you are close to the stage and can actually see the band.
We were expecting a great night out and were not disappointed.
Rating: 5/5 
The Lancashire Hotpots are currently on tour, for more information, tour dates or to book tickets visit www.thelancashirehotpots.net.
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Manchester, M50 3AZ | 0843 208 6000
