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John Godber's 'Bouncers' is a play about urban nightlife.ÌýOriginally written in the 1980's, the play was first performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to a grand audience of two, one of whom walked out before the end.

The other, a drunk, joined in!Ìý

However, the play has come a long way since then becoming something of a cult classic.Ìý

'Bouncers' is a set text at GCSE and A-level which is where I first became familiar with the play. I studied Godber’s work for three years.Ìý

Schools

The cast and myself have invited a number of Leicestershire schools and colleges to attend the performance and we are very keen to share our work with young people studying or with an interest in Godber.

On average, 'Bouncers' is performed at least eight times a year by small to mid-scale repertory venues, and is toured at least twice a year by various companies.

Wherever you go in the UK, whichever theatre you visit, you can bet they've produced the play at some time in their recent history.Ìý

I proposed the play because I have a real passion for the characters and the story.Ìý The play is incredibly witty and fast-paced but also has some dark undertones which punctuate the humour.Ìý

The play has a cast of four males and, like a lot of Godber's work, utilises multi-role playing.ÌýIn Bouncers there are around 25 characters all of which are played by the four cast members.Ìý

Challenge

They play bouncers, boys, girls, punks, hairdressers, DJs and porn stars in amongst many others.Ìý This has been a real challenge.Ìý Aspiring cast members had to audition for three, four or five characters rather than just one.Ìý

There have also been problems with the cast remembering the names of all their characters and having to enquire "who am I now?" at regular intervals!Ìý

Despite occasional personality confusion, the dynamic and committed cast have put the hours in during holidays and term time alike to produce a play which is humorous without losing its gritty resonance.Ìý

Gruelling

The three night run is sure to be a gruelling but rewarding process for cast and crew but more importantly a fun but thought-provoking night out for audiences.

'Bouncers' is being performed in The Lounge at the University Student Union between Wednesday 23 and Friday 25 April.

Tickets cost £6 for adults, £4 for concessions and £3 for members of the University Theatre Society.Ìý

If you have any questions or wish to enquire about school attendance or any other matter please do not hesitate to contact me via email at kf53@le.ac.uk.