MERSEYSIDE is the UK's capital of home-grown theatre.
All our venues support and put on premiere shows that go on sometimes nationally and internationally.
They make frequent triumphant home comings, too.
From the Unity to Everyman and Playhouse and the much-loved Royal Court this area shines with talent.
We have our arts in the right places.
Long may it run and run.
Golden Oldies a new play by well-respected writer Dave Simpson is a tale of camaraderie, lost dreams and Autumnal new ones.
The choir, who meet in a New Brighton community hall, all have a reason to be there.
Individually and collectively they need to be loved.
Some want to just enjoy the experience of singing while others feel the need to be wanted and make up for lost time.
Cast of 'Golden Oldies'. Picture: Bond Media
Like most choir members that I have met they relish these get-togethers.
There are plenty of laughs in this heart-warming production which features members of the Court's own community choir.under the guidance of Jay McWinen.
There are times when.you are reminded of TV's Last of the Summer Wine and the '60s series Heartbeat.
Then the film Sister Act comes to mind.
There's also elements of Britain's Got Talent in the plot line.
Eithne Browne as Beryl, who is bound to one day give into dementia, will not go without a fight.
Eithne is one of the city's most accomplished stars.
Scene from 'Golden Oldies'. Picture: Bond Media
She always, without fail, manages to convey the fine balance between tragedy and comedy.
The music, although '60s based, is refreshingly different from the usual songs we hear.
Benny (Paul Kissaun) arrives to add some get up and go to the choir who were sitting cobwebbed reeling out Jerusalem.
He changes their tunes.
There are nods to Cliff Richard and Cilla.
Duke of Earl was joyful and You Don't Have to say You Love is sublime with Ms B belting it out with passion.
A show-stopper.
Like most of us getting on a bit there are some creaky bones in the plot dvelopment.
But these singing seniors remain the focus.
This is a celebration of holding back the years.
Bob Eaton, yet again, deftly directs.
He steers our platinum pensioner heroes and heroines (on designer Foxton's effective set) to a fab finale.
Musical classics from all our jukeboxes made the audience get out of their seats.
A home-grown success and a nice departure from the Court's usual tried and tested fórmulas.
Charming, nostalgic and uplifting - 9/10
The show is at the The Royal Court until May 14.
Tickets from the box office on 0151 709 4321
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