If you’ve ever wondered what happens when traditional folk music collides with a stand-up routine in flat caps, the answer came loud and clear at the Theatre Royal in St Helens. As a part of their uniquely original Definitely Gravy tour The Lancashire Hotpots—St Helens’ very own folk-comedy heroes—returned to their hometown stage for a night that proved once again why they’ve built a cult following across the North and beyond.
The Homecoming Spirit
There was a sense of occasion before the first note was even struck. The Theatre Royal, with its intimate and friendly atmosphere, felt like the perfect setting for the Hotpots’ return. Fans poured in wearing flat caps, scarves, Hi Viz vests and broad grins, creating an energy more reminiscent of a family reunion than a concert. When Bernard the band made their Oasis-style appearance, they were met with a roar that only a hometown crowd can muster—half pride, half pure excitement.
Songs of Everyday Life
The Hotpots have never pretended to be rock stars. Their material celebrates the small, silly, and familiar details of British life, and it’s precisely this that makes them so endearing. The show opened with Non stop Friday night and using a multitude of props and funny hats they sang many of the fans favourite songs including Chippy Tea, Eggs Sausage Chips and Beans, I Fear Ikea and ending with Shopmobility Scooter, featuring cardboard cutouts of the Gallagher brothers.
It’s comedy through music, yes—but it’s also genuine craft. Beneath the laughs lies tight musicianship: jaunty mandolin runs, thumping rhythms, and harmonies that give the humour its lift. Tracks like I Fear Ikea reminded us that the band’s greatest strength is their ability to take the mundane and turn it into a punchline wrapped in melody.
Between the Songs
Of course, the tunes are only half the fun. Between numbers, Bernard and Dickie’s wit flowed as easily as a pint on a Friday night. They teased the crowd, riffed on local quirks, and delivered observations so sharp you’d think he’d been eavesdropping on your last trip to the supermarket. Their exchanges with the other band members added another layer, turning the stage into a comedy sketch show with live backing.
What’s remarkable is how effortless it all feels. Nothing about the banter is forced, nothing feels over-rehearsed. Instead, it has the rhythm of a mate spinning stories at the pub—only with hundreds of people howling along with him.
The Theatre Royal Effect
The venue deserves its own mention. Unlike cavernous arenas where comedy often gets swallowed by space, the Theatre Royal kept everything close and personal. Laughter ricocheted around the walls, and the sense of camaraderie between performers and audience was palpable. This wasn’t a detached crowd observing a show—it was an entire room caught up in the same joke, sharing the same punch line.
Final Flourishes
The encore sealed the deal. As Shopmobility Scooter revved into gear, the room erupted into one last joyous singalong. By that point, the distinction between performer and audience had all but disappeared—everyone was part of the show. The applause was raucous, heartfelt, and tinged with that bittersweet note that comes when a perfect night has to end.
Verdict
In a world where entertainment is often slick, polished, and predictable, The Lancashire Hotpots remain gloriously themselves—daft, relatable, musically tight, and utterly infectious. Their show at the Theatre Royal wasn’t just a gig; it was a celebration of community, humour, and northern life in all its eccentric glory.
Walking out into the St Helens night, it was hard not to smile. Harder still not to crave a bag of chips.
