Live Review: Strawberry Jack — A Fierce, Haunting Slice of Northern Noir at The Floral Pavillion
As a part of the Paradise Heights series Starwberry Jack came to the Floral Pavilion, New Brighton on 28 June.
Written and directed by Joe O’Byrne, Strawberry Jack is one of those shows that grabs you by the collar from the first moment and refuses to let go. Joe O’Byrne’s Paradise Heights universe has always thrived on grit, heart, and a touch of the supernatural, but this one digs even deeper. It’s a bruised, beautifully bleak character study that feels as raw as a scraped knuckle and as tender as the moment after the fight, when the adrenaline fades and the truth starts to sting.
At the centre is Jack Grundy — “Strawberry Jack” to the locals who once whispered his name with a mix of fear and admiration. Once the War Horse of Paradise Heights, Jack was a wild child who grew into a ferocious man. But recent events have stacked the deck firmly against him, and now he’s a fading shadow of the legend he once was. The play follows him across a single night where debts, ghosts, and old enemies all come calling. It’s a pressure cooker of a story, and O’Byrne’s writing keeps the heat rising with sharp dialogue, dark humour, and a creeping sense that something otherworldly is edging closer.
The rescue of a girl on the mean streets of Paradise Heights thrusts Jack into a situation he has never faced before. Untapped feelings stir, and a frozen heart begins to melt. But One Eyed Jacks aren’t always lucky; someone wants Jack dead by Christmas. They say Christmas is a time for Angels… but is it really ?
The performance driving the piece is a powerhouse. Jack isn’t played as a cartoon hard man; he’s a man who’s been chipped away at, bit by bit, until only the shell of the legend remains. There’s a physical heaviness to him — the weight of old fights, old mistakes, and the ghosts he’s tried to outrun. When he lashes out, it’s frightening. When he lets the mask slip, it’s devastating. The supporting cast orbit him like fragments of a shattered past: the loyal mate who still sees the good in him, the enemy who wants blood, the woman who remembers the boy he used to be. Each one adds another layer to the tragedy unfolding.
The cast of Strawberry Jack delivers performances that are both powerful and deeply nuanced. Rob Mitchell-James embodies Strawberry Jack with a fierce intensity and raw vulnerability, perfectly portraying the character’s evolution from a wild youth to a haunted, complex man. Sarah Burrill brings warmth and resilience to Mandy, grounding the emotional core of the story. Peter Slater impressively takes on the dual roles of Melvin and Jimmy Gargan, adding layers of grit and unpredictability. Abbie Richardson shines in her portrayals of Zoe and Shirley, infusing the narrative with emotional depth and sharpness. Jack Vardy’s Dave and Joe O’Byrne’s Deaf Freddie round out a talented ensemble that vividly brings the fractured world of Paradise Heights to life.
Behind the scenes, the creative team is absolutely essential to the production’s impact. Darren McGinn’s photography captures the raw, moody atmosphere that defines the play, while Justin Wetherill’s sound and music design immerse the audience in the tense, atmospheric world of Paradise Heights. Lily Burrows’ haunting singing adds a soulful, lingering layer that resonates beyond the final curtain. Alice Sherriff’s evocative voice-over work weaves a compelling narrative thread throughout the performance, and Michael Slater’s makeup and technical supervision ensure every detail supports the gritty realism on stage.
Together, this creative cast forms the vital backbone of Strawberry Jack, transforming Joe O’Byrne’s script into a living, breathing experience. Their combined talents are crucial in making the production not just a play, but a visceral journey into the heart of Paradise Heights, where every performance and creative touch plays a key role in bringing the story’s fierce, haunting world to life
Visually, the production is classic Paradise Heights. Stark lighting, moody shadows, and atmospheric sound design turn the stage into a place where reality and folklore blur. The direction keeps everything tight and tense, shifting from pub-banter realism to something darker without ever losing its grip on the audience.
What makes Strawberry Jack linger is its honesty. It’s a story about masculinity, violence, and the myths men build around themselves — but it’s also about the tiny flickers of hope that survive even in the darkest corners.
A fierce, atmospheric standout. One of O’Byrne’s most gripping creations — tragic, tender, and unforgettable.
To find out what else is coming up at the Floral Pavilion visit floralpavilion.com.
