Blue Light Theatre Company return after a gap year in their brand-spanking new venue – waving goodbye to their beloved Acomb Working Men’s Club and saying hello to New Earswick Folk Hall.
It’s a move that feels serendipitous, offering a space that matches the growing success of this wonderfully bonkers company and their hugely important charity mission.
The plot is as delightfully unhinged as fans have come to expect. We follow a cast of eccentric characters, including the Swaggle Sisters and their very own Mama Rose character Norma, who are desperate to escape their rather underwhelming church performances in favour of staging a concert… on the moon. Naturally.
Captaining the spaceship is Egon Dusk, who has a rather different agenda; tracking down the Empress’s golden Yorkshire pudding recipe. This culinary obsession leads to an unexpected detour to Planet Supwiyen, where all manner of chaos unfolds, including a Supwivision Song Contest, because frankly, why not?
Owt O’This World! is at the New Earswick Folk Hall from Wednesday 28 to Saturday 31 January.
Supporting this madcap storyline is a strong selection of musical numbers. The opening number ‘Yorkshire’ immediately showcases the cast’s impressive harmonies, whilst the cleverly adapted ‘Tomorrow Is a Batter Day’ brings the show to a satisfyingly high-energy close.
A standout solo comes from director Craig Barley with his rendition of ‘Mr Cellophane’ from Chicago, as the invisible-seeming husband to Empress Florence Whippetflatcap, the song fits both the character and Barley’s vocals perfectly.
Steven Clark returns as dame, cheekier, and apparently hotter, than ever (just ask the unexpected fire alarm). While there is slightly less audience interaction than in previous productions, Clark never shies away from commanding the space. His fast-paced, slick exchanges with this year’s baddie Egon Dusk (played with delicious menace by Glen Gears) highlights both their excellent chemistry and the strength of Perri-Ann Barley’s writing. Clark’s closing poem provides a surprisingly grounding moment, offering hope amid the sharp political humour threaded throughout the script.
Barley also appears as part of a trio sharing the role of Swaggle Sister Elsie, alongside choreographer Devon Wells (Peggy) and Aileen Hall (Mavis). Each performer brings something entirely different, yet together they form a wonderfully balanced and entertaining unit. With the fabulous Brenda Riley as their mother, it’s no surprise that musical moments shine, particularly her beautiful rendition of ‘Thank You for the Music’.
The entire cast delivers with energy and commitment, and costuming once again proves a standout. Riley has done a fantastic job of bringing outer space firmly down to earth, with a particular highlight being DAGOS 3000 (Digitally Advanced Grumpy Old Sod), who looks, and behaves, gloriously as the Dusk’s robot companion. Despite the challenges of a new venue, Dave Holiday ensures that the sound and lighting run smoothly, with very few hiccups along the way.
A special mention, both in the programme and in Clark’s closing remarks, is given to former member Mark Friend, who sadly passed away earlier this year. An excellent performer and someone I was lucky enough to call a friend, his presence is clearly still felt within the company, with thoughts very much with his loved ones. This only further cemented the strong family feel and genuine connection that this company offers.
Not only are Blue Light Theatre Company continuing to raise vital funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and York Against Cancer, they continue to deliver genuinely entertaining theatre.
Their creativity, enthusiasm and warmth make this the perfect escape on a dreary January evening, and at almost three hours long, you certainly get your money’s worth.
So take a trip that’s truly owt o’ this world, and enjoy a bonkers journey you won’t forget in a whippersnap!
Owt O’This World! is at New Earswick Folk Hall until Saturday 31 January. Tickets start from £12.50 and are available online here.
