Pharaoh 'Cross The Mersey

Written by Fred Lawless
Royal Court, Liverpool
Until 6th January 2016

Reviewed by Lynda-Louise Tomlinson

Pharaoh 'Cross The Mersey is the seventh Christmas production at the Royal Court for writer Fred Lawless, bringing back Lindzi Germain, Hayley Hampson and Michael Fletcher from his previous onstage tributes to his hometown of Liverpool.

We begin in Cairo with Daisy and Boris, played by Hampson and Fletcher, who were last seen in the Antarctic, in Fred Lawless' production of Scouse of the Antarctic. A camp tour guide and larger than life market sellers introduce the story through a hilarious and cheeky opening number, where we get our first taste of Lindzi Germain's powerful vocals.

Later, through the power of the Liverbird (an engagement present to Daisy from Boris), we are taken back in time to Ancient Egypt where everyone has a Scouse accent and the camels can tap dance.

Andrew Schofield steals the show with his hilarious performance as Bill, slave to King Tut, and foul mouthed, lovingly sarcastic Queen Nefertiti, who can belt out a tune and doesn't stand any messing.

Like every panto there is plenty of flirting with the audience, and Michael Fletcher's very funny scene, involving a slight love potion mishap, is no exception.

The musical numbers throughout the production are a refreshing blend of classics to modern pop, including a fantastically sassy rendition of Beyonce's Crazy In Love.

There's not much time to catch your breath between jokes as Schofield and Danny O'Brien bring the classic Liverpudlian sarcasm and wit, balanced nicely with the old Christmas cracker jokes, delivered with enthusiasm by Michael Starke, only to receive a groan from the audience at every attempt.

With sparkly Liverbirds, a big nosed Spinx (surprisingly no reference to Ringo Starr), cheeky humour and a happy ending, Pharaoh 'Cross The Mersey will sit proudly in the history of the Royal Court.

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Sorry Comments Closed

Comment left by Peter laugharne on 12th December, 2015 at 20:58
Been to see all of Fred's plays,top playright.has his finger on the scouse comedy pulse!