UK Theatre Network

The 25^th anniversary tour of Richard Harris’s “Stepping Out” opened at the King’s Theatre last night to a warm reception from an appreciative Glasgow audience enjoying a freshly refurbished auditorium.

The play is probably best known for its 1991 movie incarnation starring Liza Minnelli, Shelley Winters, Ellen Greene, Jane Krakowski and Julie Walters. The powerhouse nature of the movie cast indicates the ensemble nature of the piece where every character is equally important to the successful delivery of comedy and drama.

West-end dancer turned teacher, Mavis (Lucy Williamson), leads her mismatched adult tap class through the basics of dancing for fun and fitness.  She is a selfless character who enjoys teaching most when others enjoy being taught.  However, the class are an unruly (if well intentioned) lot formed from assorted misfits from varied backgrounds including overly eager Dorothy (Karen Traynor), overweight Lynne (Katie Kerr), larger than life Sylvia (Jessie Wallace) and largely silent Geoffrey (Brian Capron).  Pianist Mrs. Fraser (Rosemary Ashe) keeps mob rule at bay with carefully timed rubber bullets in the form of stinging one-liners!  The group are placed under pressure when Mavis accepts an invitation for the class to demonstrate one tap routine as part of a low key local charity event.  Bedlam ensues!

The play is highly entertaining as the witty script is delivered by well defined characters who each portray unique attributes that the whole audience can relate to.  The character of busybody Vera was particularly well played by Susie Fenwick who could clearly start an argument in an empty house.  Headliners Jessie Wallace and Brian Capron were highly entertaining employing physical comedy as much as sharp delivery of dialogue.  Director, Richard Baron, kept the play well paced throughout.

All in all this is a highly entertaining piece and well worth the ticket price.

Listings Info:

Tue 15 – Sat 19 Sep

Tue – Sat eves 7.30pm

Wed and Sat mats 2.30pm

Tickets: £11 - £25

Box Office 08448 717 648 (bk fee)

www.ambassadortickets.com/glasgow (bkg fee)