Two At Shakespeare North Playhouse Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Julie Hayward
I was invited to review Two at Shakespeare North Playhouse, a two-handed play by Jim Cartwright. It was my first visit to this venue; I am familiar with the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford and was excited to experience this one. The Cockpit theatre is the main auditorium, it a small intimate environment. Beautiful oak lined balconies on three levels, holding approximately 470 seats when, as our play is, configured in-the-round.
The central stage means that each member of the audience experiences a slightly different perspective of the events on stage, I felt I had an eye level view of the characters, enabling me to see every expression and change of direction.
The ‘two’ actors are Michael Starke and Sarah White, AKA Sinbad and Bev, both stars of the TV soap opera Brookside. Even though it has been 20 odd years since the show has been aired, their faces feel so familiar to me and I should imagine much of my generation who had watched their characters’ lives unfold.
They are back performing together after 26 years, but the chemistry between them is clear to see. The central characters are pub landlord and landlady, of the ‘Shakespeare Arms’. But they also play the supporting cast of the pub’s regulars and some more of the casual patrons. 14 roles in total are performed with such believable individuality. The quick costume changes, give each character their identity, but the physicality of the acting, expressions and vocal changes, were what brought each one to life before the audiences’ eyes. I quickly forgot that it was just the same two actors who were giving these remarkable performances.
For me was the most outstanding change from jovial landlord to hard-faced controlling bully of a husband, and strong-minded landlady, to his meek intimidated abused wife, was chillingly acted by the simple change of a jacket and swap of empowering high heels to flat shoes. As Micheal put on the black leather jacket, his whole demeaner dramatically altered and Sarah’s shoulders shrank, eyes lowered to the floor, and before they even spoke the atmosphere completely darkened. This is just an example of one of the amazing scenes, and the complex range of both such experienced actors.
The comings and goings of the pub, which is set in my opinion in the golden 80’s era, is accompanied by a brilliant playlist of classic 80’s tunes. Some as background music, some intentionally played by the individual characters, chosen on the jukebox which help to enhance their backstory.
The bar itself plays an important role in the show, the small space, lets you see how the two main characters lives are played out day after day in this constricting space, no wonder tension is raised at times.
The play was originally written for two other well known Brookside actors, Sue Johnston and John McArdle, who played Sheila Grant and Billy Corkhill, back in 1989. So, for Michael and Sarah to reprise these roles is the perfect casting. Sue and John are appearing in an exclusive event on Sunday 29th March 2026, to share memories and stories with a live audience.
Rating: 5/5
Two is on at The Shakespeare North Playhouse from March 6th to March 28th, 2026
Ticket cost from £12
On the website shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk Or call 0151 433 7156
The Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prospero Place, Prescot, Merseyside, L34 3AB