Theatre Review: Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em

(AD Press Night Invite* – 2022 Tour of Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em at The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham)

Everyone’s favourite hapless hero Frank Spencer is back. The much-loved 1970s classic comedy has been adapted for the stage by Guy Unsworth, based on scripts offered up by the original scriptwriter Ray Allen. Originally scheduled for the Alex in 2020, the UK tour recently recommenced after a two-year hiatus. We headed to Press Night on a blisteringly hot Tuesday, clutching bottles of chilled water and programmes to use as fans.

Frank (Joe Pasquale) and Betty (Sarah Earnshaw) are thinking about their future. Betty’s head is filled with excitement and trepidation; she is expecting their first child. But how does she break the news to her husband? After all, the seemingly unemployable Frank is a little distracted, considering a potential new career as a magician. He just needs the opportunity to practice for an audience before his big break with the BBC beckons. What could go wrong?

Joe Pasquale steps into the lead role, made famous by the legendary Michael Crawford. How will he compare? After all, it’s difficult to imagine anyone else donning that distinctive beret, tank-top and trench coat combo. It turns out that Pasquale is the perfect choice to play the accident-prone Frank, encouraging the audience to laugh with rather than at this gentle character. He brings exquisite comedic timing, and puts his own unique spin on Frank rather than impersonating the youthful innocence of Crawford. His enjoyment at playing this iconic role shines through.

Sarah Earnshaw is an ideal choice as long-suffering Betty, and she complements Pasquale effortlessly. Again, she doesn’t attempt to emulate the marvellous Michele Dotrice, injecting her own personality into Betty whilst remaining faithful to the character we know and love. Susie Blake is a wonderful choice as Betty’s flamboyant mother. She gives a hilarious performance, particularly in the second act as she gets more and more inebriated. It’s safe to say that she’s not Frank’s No 1 fan. Moray Treadwell and Ben Watson seamlessly slip into multiple supporting roles, while James Paterson’s Father O’Hara is on hand to provide comfort and guidance to Betty and Frank.

One of the key elements of the original show was Frank’s somewhat astounding ability to destroy everything he touched. Recreating these catastrophes on stage can’t be easy, yet the challenge is admirably met by set designer Simon Higlett and stunt co-ordinator Kev McCurdy (a feat I similarly raved about in my recent press night review of “The Play That Goes Wrong”). The garish décor is a joy – yes, wallpaper really was that bad in the 70s. And great use of soundtrack, sprinkled through the show and providing interval entertainment.

As with many shows, Act One is all about scene-setting, with a huge pay-off in Act Two. The three Franks scene particularly tickled me. The laughter from the audience on opening night was a joy to hear; it’s difficult not to crack a smile when Frank – quite literally – brings the house down. Watch out for the little running gags and malapropisms sprinkled liberally through Unsworth’s script.

Gentle silliness for all the family, this is a charming adaptation, and fans of the original series will find lots to enjoy about this touring production. Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em continues to be comedy gold for a whole new generation of audiences.

Tickets are no longer available for this show

All production shots by Scott Ryland

*Why is this post marked AD?

I received complimentary tickets to this event. However, you can trust that I will always be honest and truthful on A Brummie Home and Abroad, and being an invited guest will not influence my opinion in any way.