Review - I went to a live theatre trip to watch Bouncers on Friday 9th December at the Arena Theatre in Wolverhampton

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Theatre Review

Theatre Review - Bouncers

I went to a live theatre trip to watch ‘Bouncers’ on Friday 9th December at the Arena Theatre in Wolverhampton.

‘Bouncers’ is written by John Godber and is set in and around a nightclub called Mr Cinders, with the action focusing on the exploits of four doormen and their customers. Multi-rolling is used mainly when the four bouncers tell the stories of different stereotypical men and women. For example when Godber contrasts a male and female hairdressers, the woman talk about their big night out, and what they are wearing. For the men however, again they plan their night out, but are discussing the possibility of pulling.

Direct Address and Monologues are predominately used by the character ‘Lucky Eric’. Eric delivers his speeches throughout the play. During his first he talks about young girls dressed up and made up, spending everything they make on their nights out at the weekend, drinking too much and succumbing to the advances of men. ‘Lucky Eric’s’ speeches are used to slip in messages about the negative features of nightlife. I like how Godber has done this to change the mood of the audience. When watching I would go from Laughing to being very serious listening to Eric’s speeches. During the start of act two, Direct Address is used again when the Bouncers acknowledge the audience, asking what they are laughing at. This was effective because it pulled your attention straight back after the interval. These techniques are the key characteristics of the play, and are included and used effectively throughout.

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The set is very minimal for ‘Bouncers’ and includes 4 barrels and a nightclub door. I think the minimalist set works really well because it doesn’t take the attention away from the actors. The quick pace and lack of set means that the actors have only themselves to rely on in making each character and location come to life.

The four actors wear suits to resemble bouncers. Wearing suits worked especially well during the interval and before we entered the arena.

 The four Bouncers stood outside the theatre in the foyer, and let the audience in like actual bouncers, breaking the fourth ...

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