REVIEW: Regal Entertainments Presents Rita, Bob & Sue Too At The Epstein Theatre

Caveat & Trigger Warning: Sexual content and Adult only material

Photo Credit: David Munn Photography

Rita, Bob and Sue Too was a Cult, controversial British comedy-drama film aired in 1987. Set in Bradford, Yorkshire, it was written by the late Andrea Dunbar and adapted from two of her stage plays; Rita, Bob & Sue Too (1982) and The Arbour (1980). Having had phenomenal success at St Helens Theatre Royal between the years of 2011 and 2022 as a stage production, Regal Entertainments have bought the show to Liverpool Epstein Theatre until 19th February. 

Produced by Chantelle Nolan and Jane Joseph, the show features a strong cast which includes Michael Parr as Bob, Jess Ellis as his wife Michelle, Jenna Sian O'hara as Sue, Chrissy Rock as mother, Kay Nicholson as Rita and Jamie Greer as dad.

The play tells of Rita and Sue, two 15-year old working class school girls and friends who after baby-sitting for Bob and his wife Michelle develop a sexual relationship with Bob after he exploits and lures them into believing that their interaction is wholesome and purely pleasurable. From the outset, the darkness of the humour is revealed as our first introduction to the trio is as they make their way home from babysitting where Bob entices the girls to have sex with him in turn.

Photo Credit: David Munn Photography

The fact is, Bob is a self-employed builder who is dissatisfied with his marriage. He is quite Machiavellian, Narcissistic and self-absorbed as he is only focused on his own gratification and absolves himself of any responsibility for the demise of his marriage. He believes the girls are virgins, however that proves to not be the case. The bleak reality is that Bob is an arrogant man who underplays his illegal acts of having sex with two minors.  The hard-hitting dark undertones are beautifully tempered by the comedic script. Whilst it softens the blow around what is actually taking place in this dysfunctional triad, the seriousness of the situation and the themes explored remains in tact. It's quite paradoxical how tastefully and distastefully the scenes are delivered. There are so many moments where you will find yourself cringing and recoiling in your seat and spitting your drink out in the next breath after the hilarity hits from the one-liners.

Photo Credit: David Munn Photography

The seamless transitions between scenes was something to be marvelled at. The set design was elaborate and fabulous in equal measure. The attention to detail was remarkable and the speed with which props were cleared and installed from one scene to the next was almost superhuman. The play is gritty, it is deep, it is dark yet it has the perfect juxtaposition of humour, physical theatre and comedic delivery.

Photo Credit: David Munn Photography

The cast were incredible, there is no mistaking this fact. Rita is comedy gold. Played by Kay Nicholson, she is selfish, puerile and manipulative. She is governed by self-interest and self-gratification and whilst she loves her friend Sue, she loves herself too and her actions are all but self-preserving to the exclusion of all others. We can't help but be endeared by her despite this.

Sue (Jenna Sian O-Hara) is outstanding and the dynamism between her and Kay is superb. Michael Parr (Bob) is outstanding. He bares his naked flesh on more than one occasion much to the delight of the audience. He's not jus a pretty face and posterior though as he portrays the character of Bob so well. My favourite cast member was undoubtedly Jess Ellis who plays Michelle, Bob's wife. She was exceptional in her role, comedic, hopeless and empowered at the same time. Crissy Rock and Jamie Greer were the epitome of parents in a loveless marriage, dealt a double whammy of economic scarcity and mediocrity. The air was blue from the expletives that were consistently uttered from their lips like weapons of mass destruction. They performed with high energy and passion.

Photo Credit: David Munn Photography

The musical score was in keeping with the 80's era and songs from artists such as Hot Chocolate, Frankie goes to Hollywood,  Rod Stewart, Madness and Phil Collins to name a few provided the soundtrack. 

Photo Credit: David Munn Photography

As mentioned in the outset, this is an adults only show which tackles adult themes. It is interlaced with side-splitting humour and is delivered by an exceptional cast. It certainly makes you think about the issues that have been raised as a result of the interaction between the characters. Having not seen the film and being aware of the general premise of the storyline, I was a little apprehensive about how this would land with me. That said, I was extremely impressed with the production, the casting, the delivery and the overall aesthetic of the performance. Well done to the creative team and cast. It was a job well done.

The show runs until 19th Feb and tickets can be purchased here

PR Rating: 5 stars & Discretion required