DramaNorth WestReview

Lost Soul 2 – Royal Court, Liverpool

Reviewer: Gill Lewis

Writer: Dave Kirby

Director: Bob Eaton

A lively, fun, and saucy piece of nostalgia that captures the essence of 70s soul music and the ups and downs of middle-aged life.

Dave Kirby’s script oozes scouse – isms, and cheeky humour which keeps coming by the bucket load, tickling the audience into roars of laughter. With plenty of laugh out loud comedy and physical gags you wonder how the actors manage to keep a straight face with their excellent deadpan delivery of some seriously hilarious one liners and quips. Their comic timing is impeccable.

Driven nuts by the constant presence of his new grandson who has sucked the fun and freedom out of life, new grandad Smigger (Andrew Schofield) is missing his weekly boogie at the Soul Train, his regular haunt where he truly feels alive. Smigger’s frustration leaves him at loggerheads with wife Donna (Lindzi Germain) who is quite happy to do all the babysitting for daughter Amy (Jennifer Hynes).

This story of Smigger and his mid-life crisis, brings together a bubble of bold characters, working class, and salt of the earth, with a lot of heart. Donna, Terry (Paul Duckworth), and Pat (Cath Rice) pack in plenty of amusing, relatable moments, some of which would make Benny Hill blush. Their journey from Scottie Road to Pontins Prestatyn and the over-40s Liverpool pub scene in Liverpool proves, for the most, to be an entertaining ride.

Jocelyn Meall’s set and costume design captures the cultural and social settings of the various locations, with brilliant attention to detail. The smooth rotating stage glides with ease between settings, creating highly realistic environments which look authentic and lived in.

When responsibilities start to overshadow the joy of living, there’s no intention here to delve too deep, or make any attempt to explore themes touched upon such as the challenges of aging, and men’s mental health. Smigger’s hint of depression and frustration with the new demands placed on him and Donna, does nothing but to offer a mix of comedy and poignancy, nothing that some paracetamol can’t resolve.

The jukebox tunes of 70s soul hits bridge the gap between the past and the present, where laughter helps to heal the bumps along the way. The backdrop of 70s soul music not only provides a nostalgic escape but also underscores the theme of trying to reconnect with the past while navigating the present.

The straightforward storyline is simply a vehicle for the gags, however the quick wit is at times not reflected in the pace, and by the long second act (almost an hour and a half), it starts to become unnecessarily repetitive. The dancing segments are overdone and it feels like too much of a back and forth as to whether Smigger will return home after his soul searching… Of course, he will, and it would serve as an interesting curve ball if he did flee into the Torquay sunset, which of course the Royal Court would never let happen.

Overall, Lost Soul 2 is very likely to leave you with a lasting smile on your face, a stitch in your belly, and a groove in your step.

Runs until 14th September 2024.

The Reviews Hub Score

Hilarious Scouse Farce

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