Alan Bleasdale and Willy Russell, Liverpool Playhouse

It was one of those nights that you were happy you ignored Charles II on telly and braved the cold weather.

Inside there was enough Scouse warmth to keep everyone happy. Messrs Alan Bleasdale and Willy Russell were on stage for the first time in decades and it could well be the last time we will see them perform together. I hope not.

It was a charity night to help raise funds for the charity Sahir House and the two internationally-acclaimed writers pulled out all the stops for the Liverpool-based HIV information and advice centre.

They opened with a witty, effortless routine that would have put The Two Ronnies to shame for comic timing where they told the audience how they are frequently mistaken for each other.

Cab drivers and cleaners also think Alan is Bill Oddie and once Mr Russell was mistaken for the late Willy Rushton. Alan eased his way into his own back catalogue of greatest literary hits including On the Ledge and Scully. Willy entertained the wideaged group audience with extracts from Shirley Valentine and his novel The Wrong Boy.

The dynamic duo even shared a dramatic scene from Educating Rita, Alan making a very good Frank and Willy giving another best supporting actress performance as Rita.

Tone deaf Alan promised he wouldn't sing and for that we were all truly grateful, allowing his words to speak volumes.

The music was left to Willy with acoustic guitar accompanying the beautiful vocalist Loretta on Easy Terms from Blood Brothers.

Willy also sang his modern day classic Tupperware Girls from his debut album Hoovering the Moon.
The friendship between the two was evident from the start of the two and half hour show.

This was more than a celebration of poetry, song, humour and Liverpool life. It was a joyous occasion that put a smile on every face and raised a lot of money for a good cause in the process.

ANDREW JUDGE - Daily Post