Bouncers

Theaatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds

Maybe the life of a nightclub bouncer is not all it is cracked up to be, but this show, in its 30th year, proves to be an eye-opener and delves into the seedier side of life.

The play is about four guys who are bouncers but are as different to one another as chalk and cheese.

They also take on the double role of acting, and taking the mickey out of, night- club customers. One example is the part where they play a group of lager-swilling louts whose scoring is more about the number of drinks than the liaisons with members of the opposite sex.

However, it also paints a picture of reality and even sadness that is brought home by the character of Lucky Eric (James Hornsby), who gives four speeches highlighting the desperation that men and women find themselves in at a nightclub.

Behaving in a manner so reminiscent of the late Kenny Everett is Matthew Booth who plays Les, who seems as funny whether playing a male or female.

Being a real smoothie is Marc Bolton as Ralf who plays a great nightclub DJ and also sexy Sue.

Jack Brady plays Judd, who seems to enjoy winding the others up.

Bouncers is a fast-moving show that gives a raw and cynical approach to nightclub life.

There seems nothing more to shock or surprise you but you realise you were laughing at things you would not normally laugh at.