Review: The Entertainer at The Everyman Theatre

We asked local blogger and theatre enthusiast Jamie to review the opening night of The Entertainer for us at The Everyman Theatre.  Read on for more details...

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Shane Richie is the latest star to grace the stage of The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham. John Osborne’s political play The Entertainer has begun its first ever UK tour and shines a satirical spotlight on the crisis of the Falklands War, questioning what was ‘acceptable in the 80’s’ for a family facing failure.

Whilst an 80’s music compilation plays, the stage is cleverly set as a rundown theatre backdrop where we first meet Archie Rice (Shane Richie), a failing music hall comedian.

Bold, brash and shockingly inappropriate, Archie Rice spouts cringe-inducing jokes which target different minority groups and intersperses his stand-up sets with singing performances including an energetic rendition of ‘I was born with a smile on my face’.

Sadly, for Archie Rice and his long-suffering family, the whole of his life has indeed been a pantomime. Whilst Archie Rice continues the charade, it remains in direct contrast with his 1980’s living room which unashamedly highlights the awkward balance of family dynamics across generations.

With the first son at war in the Falklands, the Rice family is in crisis which results in continuous bickering between them all.

We find Billy Rice (Pip Donaghy) the Grandfather of the family sitting in his armchair and lamenting the immigrant neighbours upstairs before headstrong grand-daughter Jean Rice (Diana Vickers) arrives unexpectedly having left her fiancé following a political disagreement.

The moments shared between Grandfather and Granddaughter are poignant and highlight the special nature of those who have lived and those who have yet to. There were many laughs and wry smiles at lines such as ‘You don’t know what it’s like – you haven’t lived!’.

Phoebe Rice (Sara Crowe) is Archie Rice’s neurotic and emotional second wife and their son Frank (Christopher Bonwell) has to strike the uneasy balance between pleasing his father and upsetting his mother.

Throughout the show it becomes clear that Archie Rice is a serial adulterer, heavy drinker and tax avoider. Richie is impressive in both vocal and acting talent and despite Rice’s misgivings, Richie manages to convey a character that the audience can ultimately sympathise with. With the determination of Del-Boy, Rice truly believes that he is only one show away from fame and fortune.

Diana Vickers’ portrayal of Jean Rice cleverly gives the audience a voice. Through her expertly delivered lines and passionate performance, Jean discusses and questions the beliefs of the family and plays devil’s advocate when it comes to the quiet acceptance of the sheer brutality of war. In a political climate where the future can seem grey and bleak, The Entertainer offers a gin-soaked glimmer of hope as history repeats itself.

As Archie Rice says himself ‘Observation – is the basis of all art’ and it seems that this updated version of The Entertainer will continue to amuse and unsettle audiences as it weaves its tale of timeless dilemmas of old.

An uncomfortable watch in places, The Entertainer questions a political climate of uncertainty and unrest which remains relevant today and will be a must-see for Richie fans.

There are six more performances to enjoy The Entertainer at The Everyman Theatre between now and this Saturday. To book tickets please visit the box office.

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About the author:
Gloucestershire born and bred, Jamie lives in a leafy Cotswold village with her husband and baby daughter. When she’s not looking after her family, working as a primary school teacher or searching the charity shops, you can usually find her at the theatre or on the beach. For more hints, tips, bargains and finds subscribe to Jamie’s dedicated blog: Thrifty Mumma Thrifty Bubba.