This is our review of The Peaceful Hour at Liverpool‘s Royal Court Theatre!
Synopsis Of The Peaceful Hour
This show allows the audience to reminisce about simpler times in the good old days. By good old days, I mean the 1980s, when smartphones were house receivers on a straightforward connection wire. Anyway, we go back to mid-1980s Kirkby, and we meet Julie. Now, poor Julie is a lovely lady, but she’s not exactly the most successful woman around when it comes to romance. All she wants is someone who provides the same amount of love to her as she would to a fella. Someone she can enjoy spending time with, cuddle with, listen to Pete Price on The Peaceful Hour with.
Yet it seems like her hopes and dreams are a struggle to fulfill. That is until she meets Tim. A student of the Cotswolds, he enjoys learning about Kirkby culture and understanding this bizarre, overly Scouse universe. But he meets Julie, and suddenly, these two polar opposites are smitten for one another. To her, this is a major victory; she’s met the Mr Right she always wanted. But for him, it’s not exactly sunshine and daffodils, especially when he meets her somewhat strange family. So, we wonder: can these two create a Happily Ever After? Or will Julie’s fight for love go on, as Tim wonders whether Kirkby is a dream or a nightmare?
Anaylsis Of The Peaceful Hour
This is a really funny and heartfelt show that whisks the crowd back to the 1980s. As is the case at the Royal Court, the show doesn’t take itself too seriously. There are plenty of references to a time that is fondly remembered by those who lived through it. Not to mention the plethora of locally-themed jokes and one-liners accentuated by the Scouse twang. And if you don’t mind the odd swear word, there are lots of moments to have you howling.
However, there’s also real heart to this tale. So many can understand the concept of having everything necessary for a happy relationship except their ideal partner. So, Julie is a very relatable, sympathetic, and likeable character; someone we are rooting for to succeed. But we can also relate to Tim because one can imagine entering a new partner’s household and questioning your life decisions. So, to follow their saga is a pleasure, not least due to the cheesy love tunes that enhance the mood. And of course, we get a smiles-on-faces climax to send us all home happy.
Summary Of The Peaceful Hour
Though Valentine’s has come and gone, it’s always a good time to experience a romantic, feel-good story. And that’s what you will get with this show, which is full of laughter and memorable jokes. This is a pleasure to watch, and comes highly recommended.
