Starting as a one-woman show in 2018 before progressing to a two-hander, Making It!, written by Cath Rice and Stephen Fletcher (also directing), has had a glow up from the smaller studio in Liverpool’s Royal Court basement, to the full proscenium of the main stage. 

Cabaret diva, Bev (Rice), tells the journey of her career whilst preparing for a homecoming gig where it all started- a social club in Kirkby. Through monologue and interspersed scenes of interactions along the way, it’s clear that Bev’s life in showbiz has certainly been less than glamourous.  

Joining Rice is Andrew Schofield who, in a plethora of roles as photographers, agents, directors and more, shows his versatility with contrasting characterisations, proving why he’s a staple on the Royal Court stage. Whilst Schofield does soar in his comedic portrayals, his scenes as Harry give a welcome break from the, at times, repetitive scenes of caricatures from Bev’s past. 

Rice anchors the show well, and although some of the overly curated jokes don’t land, it’s clear she’s comfortable in her portrayal and through subtle nuances brings Bev to life. 

A reoccurring niggle comes from a sense of the balance being off compared to previous productions with similar themes. Don’t get me wrong, there is a story here; a very important story that needs to be told. Especially in the current climate of social media, the constant desire for validation, unsolicited opinions of people’s life choices (the irony of me writing this review of a subjective piece of art is not lost on me) and unfortunately, the exploitation of others. Where Making It! falters is that it seems fearful of delving into to its more serious themes, instead preferring to safely ham up the shtick to the audience, not to risk detracting from the standard Royal Court comedy. Other Merseyside-based productions: Shirley Valentine and last year’s Haunted Scouse, are prime examples of writing that has the subtle depth to draw the audience in and resonate at the right times- all whilst being hilarious throughout. The uneven nature of this production sadly puts the stoppers on the emotions-front, leaving a mild feeling of unfulfillment in its wake.  

Design from Katie Scott, as usual, is aesthetically pleasing and naturalistic (everyone will be familiar with that social club setting), with no detail spared from the damp on the walls to the Christmas decorations shoved behind a curtain. At times, though, the set feels too big for a two-handed production and, at its worst, is distracting. Whilst visually it’s always appreciated for a patron to see production value, the other locations, whilst adding to the immersion of the piece, are barely used.  

This play has the potential to be one that is revived over and over. There is some great dialogue and the characters on stage are portrayed by a fantastically comedic duo who deliver characterisation with ease. It’s not that anything here is a catastrophe, it’s just that, as it is, it’s not quite made it to the towering success that it has such capacity to be. 

Making It! plays at the Royal Court until Saturday 17th June. Further information and booking can be found here.

Tickets gifted in exchange for an honest review.

Photography by Atanas Paskalev.