Review: Taking The Piste at the Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool
Looking for a bit of respite from the current scorching weather? Why not head off for a spot of skiing?
You could head to Kirkby, of course – except that its infamous ski slope was built in 1971 and demolished in the same year. So, for now, the closest you’ll get is its glorious reincarnation on the stage of Liverpool’s wonderful Art Deco (and thankfully airconditioned) Royal Court Theatre.
Taking The Piste is a crazy, zany, 1970s-set comedy based on the true story of Kirkby’s ill-fated ski slope. It was a project built on a shoestring, on the site of a rubbish dump, without planning permission, and using public money, much of which was allegedly creamed off to line the pockets of those involved.
Schoolchildren were reportedly paid 25p an hour to help lay the 100,000 segments of plastic matting over the bulldozed rubbish, before a pair of investigative journalists from the Liverpool Echo smelled that something wasn’t quite right. The project was eventually deemed illegal and unsafe, and the ski slope never opened.
Sounds far-fetched? It does – but it really happened. And now writer Kieran Lynn, in his first play for the Royal Court, has turned this extraordinary slice of local history into exactly the sort of irreverent, fast-moving comedy that Royal Court audiences love.
Paul Duckworth’s highly animated slapstick style is perfect for the part of corrupt councillor Donald Storm. With his wonderfully expressive face and startled, poppy eyes, he throws himself into the role with manic energy. If anyone ever brings a stage version of Fawlty Towers to the Royal Court, Paul would make a perfect Basil Fawlty.
His rather dozy partner in crime, cowboy builder Geoff Ditchwater, is played to perfection by former Brookside and Coronation Street actor Michael Starke. Starke also doubles as the extremely camp Nigel, and is so believable in both parts that there are moments when you have to double-take to remind yourself it is the same actor.
It was also lovely to see Michael’s daughter, Hayley Sheen, back at the Royal Court after a lengthy break, which has included TV appearances in Hollyoaks and Grease Is the Word. She plays ambitious trainee journalist Kelly White, who, along with her colleague Derek Whittaker, played by Elliott Kingsley, helps expose the scandal – aided by the councillor’s secretary Sandra Starkey, played by Holly Mimi Bernice.
Vicky Binns, diminutive in stature but huge in presence, plays newspaper editor Patricia Grimes with ferocity, power and conviction. Both she and Holly Mimi Bernice are making their Royal Court debuts, and both make a strong impression.
Yes, this is based on the true story of a farcical situation that exposed the corruption of local politicians at the time. But it is also the perfect set-up for a raucous Royal Court comedy. The jokes come thick and fast, the action is slick, and the pace barely lets up. All credit to the cast, director John Young, also making his Royal Court debut, and the stage management team.
The theatre’s revolving stage is put to excellent use, with the action moving smoothly between the three sets; at one point the revolve simply keeps turning as the story gathers pace, adding beautifully to the sense of chaos.
So, if you are looking for a little escapism set against the backdrop of real events, you really shouldn’t miss this brilliantly funny show.
Taking The Piste runs at Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre until July 18th.Tickets available from the box office https://liverpoolsroyalcourt.com/main_stage/taking-the-piste/
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