Her Benny

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Both the show and the production have a wholesome vintage feel; it is a remnant from a time of simpler and less spectacular musicals; in its current form it can’t compete with the glamour and grit of the contemporary theatre scene, though potentially has a future in the catacombs of the amateur dramatics repertoire. With a full revamp and some new songs, the heart of this Liverpool Tale could be revived for another 25 years. “Everyone deserves the chance to dream.” the street Arabs of our large towns and cities; on the contrary, there was an air of refinement about her that was difficult to account for. Poor little waif! Her own mother she could not remember. She had only known a stepmother—a cruel, drunken woman; and, alas! her father was no better. Almost as soon as she could walk she had been sent into the streets with her brother Benny, who was a ​year older, to get her living as best she could. Never knowing a parent's love, the affections of these two children had gone out to each other. Each to each was more than all the world beside. At the time our story opens Nelly was nine years of age, and Benny, as we said, a year older.

Peter Brindle plays the amicable Joe Wragg and says: “I love his overall persona. He is warm, loving and caring although he goes through his own tough times. It’s an honour to take on such a role.” His companion, Sally Wragg is played by Janet Cowley whose effortless vocals provide a comforting relief from the poverty and illness that permeated the streets of Victorian England. Whilst, loveable characters such as Sniffer, Benny’s dear friend and Mr and Mrs Fisher from the farm where Benny grows up, bring a timely touch of humour and joviality to the stage. For what you please to give," said Benny sturdily. "Times is bad at present, and little chaps like us is glad to *ave what we catches."

The gentleman looked after the little fellow with an amused smile, but volunteered no further remark. The much-loved family show, starring Bernie Nolan and Sam Kane, was once known as ‘Her Benny’, but has been revamped and renamed in time for Liverpool’s Capital of Culture year. thinks it too much trouble to take off their gloves to get at the coppers. 1 wonder if they know what it is to be cold and Oh, never fear," said Benny, as he got hold of the portmanteau. "I's 'mazing strong, and I ken carry this like winkin'." And he trotted down the street before the gentleman in a way that showed he was in earnest about the matter. That said, there are some strong updates in the form of exciting choreography by Nazene Danielle, performed by a hard-working youthful ensemble sporting a catalogue of costumes from Benny’s-gone-by. The assortment of characters played by Lindzi Germain are a welcome break from the obligatory melancholy of the tale; she knows how to work the Royal Court regulars.

If I were to choose a reading list for those younger people interested in what life was like and still is for many on the streets of our cities even today, this book would be top of the list.As well as directing and starring in the Wycombe Swan Theatre’s panto, Snow White (where he will be joined by his glamorous wife) the father-of-two is preparing for another stint in the popular play, Hot Flush, described as a “celebration of the menopause”!