Out the Woodwork 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 Dottie Rood
A ‘description’ of the title, Out the Woodwork, according to the internet, is, “It generally implies a sudden large-scale appearance, often bringing people who are seeking something (like money or attention) or voicing opinions they previously kept quiet”.
Well, this is exactly what happened in this play!
Pat (played by Kate Harcus), a middle-aged Liverpool mum of one is having a girlie night in with her best friend Lindsey (played by Gereldine Moloney Judge) due to her impending divorce from Ste (played by Mike Newstead) has a 30-million-pound lottery win which, thanks to Facebook, brings everyone running!
Probably a familiar story within other performances however this one was based on a Liverpool council estate with Liverpool characters, lots of Liverpool ‘sayings’ and the unmistakable Liverpool sense of humour, it was hilarious!
The whole play was based in Pat’s living room and although the scenery was simple, a settee, coffee table, large dresser, comfy armchair, rug and a landline phone (which does come into the story later on) it worked really well. The performance starts with Pat and her sister-in-law Claire (played by Roxanne Male) discussing, quite heatedly, money that is owed by Pat to Claire. This, of course, then escalates to include the impending divorce, the dislike of each other and lots of other probably irrelevant items that come up within a very emotive conversation. It was really funny hearing popular sayings in these interactions like, “it takes two to tango”, “face ache”, “you’re a crank” to name just a few. It was also fascinating how fast they talked but very common in Liverpool.
We then get to meet Pat’s daughter Kay (played by Kizzy Leigh who is actually a full-time primary teacher and does drama on the weekends!) who played the stereo typical older teenager who is obsessed with, looks, the Kardashians and herself, again hilarious and I could see some traits of my 13 year old Granddaughter in her. It is quite a while into the play before we get to know about the lottery win but the performances before this paints us a very clear picture of the people in Pat’s life and what she has been going through with each of the characters. These also include Ciaran (played by Francis J. Brack), Kay’s boyfriend, again very stereo typical of young Liverpool ‘lads.
The play, presented by Gingerlee Does It and written and directed by Lee Clotworthy (a Liverpudlian born and bred) is promoted as ‘Think Brookside meets The League of Gentlemen’ however I think a better description may be, ‘think larger than life Liverpool sense of humour in a chaotic setting, with unexpected twists and turns’, maybe not as catchy but I think describes the play a bit better.
There were some ‘rude’ comments and innuendo’s so you may have to be aware if you follow the 12+ guidance and I can’t decide if non Liverpool people would find it as funny as I did (I did ask a few people who were from different places and they all said they understood it and had enjoyed it) but it was a lovely evening out and as the play was only 1hour 30 minutes (with a 20 minute interval) it wasn’t too long.
The Shakespeare North theatre is a lovely venue set in Prescot. It has very good transport links and lots of reasonably priced parking and a couple of free places. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful, and they have drinks, snacks and light bites in their café.
Out of Woodwork was only on for 2 nights and Wednesday 24th June 2026 was the last night however if you see it on your local theatre, I would urge you to go and see it, my friend and I both came out feeling in very good spirits.
I haven’t got a stand out character as I found them all excellent, the acting (even the over the top parts) the comic timing and the repour between them all was lovely to see and experience.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost: £12.00 plus £3 booking fee.
Out the Woodwork is at Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot Tuesday 23rd June & Wednesday 24th June 2026
For more information or to book tickets contact the box office on: 0151 433 7156
Shakespeare North Prospero Place, Prescot, L34 3AB
Photo credit to: Andrew AB Photography