There are some shows that you go to for high drama and serious theatre. Then there are shows like Achy Breaky Bride — productions that simply want you to sit back, have a laugh and enjoy yourself. And at St Helens Theatre Royal, that is exactly what this gloriously daft, country-pop comedy sets out to deliver.
Meresyside favourite Leanne Campbell stars as Jolene and is joined by X Factor star David Heath, Rachel Wood, Conor Barrie and Liverpool Drag Queen Sania Pain.
The story is set in a St Helens bridal boutique bridal shop run by A Boy Named Sue (David Heath) and his sister Jolene (Leanne Campbell). Centred around a bride-to-be whose wedding plans descend into increasingly chaotic territory, Achy Breaky Bride throws together romance, family tensions, misunderstandings and plenty of musical mayhem. The premise may be familiar, but the production embraces its silliness so enthusiastically that it is difficult not to get swept along with it.
From the moment the comedy gets into full swing, the audience is treated to a succession of larger-than-life characters, sharp one-liners and plenty of toe-tapping musical numbers. There is a lovely sense that nobody on stage is taking themselves too seriously — and that makes the whole thing considerably more enjoyable.
The cast are clearly having a ball, and that enjoyment is infectious. The leading performance brings plenty of warmth alongside the comedy, giving the central romance enough heart to stop the story becoming simply a succession of gags. The chemistry between the central characters works particularly well, especially when the bickering gives way to some of the show’s bigger musical moments. There are also some excellent supporting performances, with the scene-stealing characters providing many of the evening’s biggest laughs. The comic timing is strong, and several seemingly throwaway moments earn some of the loudest reactions from the St Helens audience.
Musically, Achy Breaky Bride knows exactly what it wants to be. Country influences run throughout the production, with guitars, upbeat rhythms and plenty of opportunities for the audience to join in. It never takes itself too seriously, but there is enough energy and musicality behind the performances to keep the show moving at a lively pace.
The visual side of the production matches that approach perfectly. The wedding setting provides plenty of opportunities for colourful costumes, sequins, boots and larger-than-life touches, while the choreography adds another layer of fun without overwhelming the comedy.
Perhaps the most enjoyable thing about the evening, though, is the atmosphere inside the Theatre Royal brought about by the cheerful and helpful staff. This feels like a show made for an audience that wants to laugh together.
And that is where Achy Breaky Bride really succeeds. It isn’t trying to reinvent musical theatre or deliver anything particularly profound. Instead, it knows that sometimes an audience simply wants a good story, some catchy songs, a few ridiculous situations and plenty of laughs. On that front, it delivers.
By the time the curtain comes down, there is a definite sense of having spent the evening in good company. Achy Breaky Bride is warm, cheeky and unapologetically entertaining — a lively night of country-pop comedy that leaves its audience smiling on the way out. A fun, feel-good night at the Theatre Royal, with plenty of laughs, music and heart. If you’re looking for a show that doesn’t take itself too seriously and simply wants you to have a good time, Achy Breaky Bride fits the bill.
To find out what else is on at the St Helens Theatre Royal this year visit sthelenstheatreroyal.com.
