Theatre Review: Windermere, The Actors Studio

Oct 1 2008 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL writer Tommy Kearney brings us another slice of lovingly-created teenage nostalgia in Windermere, currently enjoying its northern premiere in his home town.

It follows on from a production of his Madonna and Me, using the same company and raiding the same stock of affectionate 1980s references, from Jammie Dodgers to Duran Duran and the dreaded YTS.

Windermere follows a similar timeline, too, of friends and neighbours growing up together, making some difficult choices, and changing alliances.

Both also have in common a soundtrack of some irresistible and achingly familiar Eighties tunes.

The Whiston-based play begins with its central gang of five friends “playing out” at the age of six (still played by the adult cast) and follows their fates until their early 20s.

Those awkward teenage years, as young people start and then struggle to find their feet in the world, seem to be of particular interest to Kearney as a writer.

Some nice touches from director Steve Miller and enthusiastic performances from the company make Windermere a sweet and lively play.

Not every character stays sweetness and light or comes out unscathed, but such is everyday life – which is surely just what Kearney intended.

WINDERMERE is on at the Actors Studio, in Seel Street, Liverpool, until October 4.