Reasons To Be Cheerful, currently running at West Yorkshire Playhouse, is billed as a “punk rock musical” and it certainly delivers. It is a joyous celebration, not only of the music of Ian Dury and The Blockheads, but of the spirit of rebellion and fighting for a better life.
The play is performed by Graeae Theatre Company, which works with deaf and disabled actors to create accessible theatre. The fact that the most (or all) of the cast have some form of disability is overwhelmed by the many abilities they have as talented actors and musicians.
In the spirit of accessibility Sue Talbot and myself recorded our post-play discussion, which goes into more detail on various aspects of the performance.
As with any show that has me (and many others) up and dancing by the end, I would highly recommend seeing Reasons To Be Cheerful.
Reasons To Be Cheerful runs at West Yorkshire Plathouse until Saturday 14 October. For more information and to book tickets (£13.50 – £31) go to: www.wyp.org.uk/events/reasons-to-be-cheerful
This review was written as part of our South Leeds Goes To The Playhouse project where readers receive free tickets in return for a review article.
Very enjoyable to listen to this – thanks both lotsoflove xx