Dalton remarked, “The whole experience of sensing an audience living each moment of the show makes ‘Her Benny’ so special to me.” He said: “I have known Bernie for years, we are old mates. It’s great working with your pals, and Bernie is lovely – she takes her job seriously, but doesn’t take herself too seriously! All right, my young gent, 'ere you are;" and the man put three moderate-sized potatoes into Benny's outstretched palms.

Oh, Benny, I see such beautiful pictures in the fire. Don't you 'members on fine days how we looks across the river, and sees the great hills 'way behind Birkenhead, such miles an' miles away?" Be jabbers! it's a thrip'ny," was his mental soliloquy, as he eagerly clutched the coin; and bowing his thanks as politely as he knew how, he dashed up the gangway with the fleetness of the wind, muttering to himself, "Shouldn't wonder if't was a fo'penny, arter all." Standing under a lamp, he took the coin out of his mouth and looked at it. Peter Brindle plays the amicable Joe Wragg and says: “I love his overall persona. He is warm, loving and caring although he goes through his own tough times. It’s an honour to take on such a role.” His companion, Sally Wragg is played by Janet Cowley whose effortless vocals provide a comforting relief from the poverty and illness that permeated the streets of Victorian England. Whilst, loveable characters such as Sniffer, Benny’s dear friend and Mr and Mrs Fisher from the farm where Benny grows up, bring a timely touch of humour and joviality to the stage. May we eat our taters by your fire, Joe?" said the plaintive voice of little Nelly, as she placed her tiny hand on the fence, on which a red light was burning. As well as directing and starring in the Wycombe Swan Theatre’s panto, Snow White (where he will be joined by his glamorous wife) the father-of-two is preparing for another stint in the popular play, Hot Flush, described as a “celebration of the menopause”!If you are able to ignore the moralistic and didactic overtones of each chapter, the narrative is an important tale of the conditions on the streets of Liverpool when there was no Government safety net, healthcare, sanitation or empathy for the disadvantaged . The harshness of life and death is brought easily to the minds eye of even a modern reader, and the book is certain to bring more than one tear to the eye of even the most cold hearted of readers. Huyton-born Sam, who became a firm favourite with TV viewers after starring in Brookside, Coronation Street and Emmerdale, said he was looking forward to teaming up with his old pal, Bernie Nolan for the show. The 25th Anniversary sees a masterful musical score with elevated orchestration brought to life by talented and revered vocalists. The vibrant opening number plunges us into the hustle and bustle of Victorian Liverpool streets accompanied by lively, energetic movement.

The 'busses were crowded with people outside and in, wrapped in huge warm overcoats, and all down Lord Street she watched the hurrying crowds bending their steps homewards. And she tried to picture their cheerful homes, with great blazing fires, and happy children running to greet them, and wondered how none of them ever paused to notice her, shivering there in the shadow of the church. We’ve got a fantastic cast, which is always a good thing. You can really depend on the people around you. The talent in the kids is amazing. That’s the way it is in Liverpool.”I was unfamiliar with the story of Her Benny (currently celebrating its 25th anniversary). But I had heard great things about the show, and about the author Ann Dalton. And so there was some excitement to see this production at Liverpool‘s Royal Court Theatre. Her Benny Synopsis Of Her Benny It is a sense of hope that does not come from privilege or demand, it is, as the play shows, one that has been fought for, breath by breath, ideal by ideal, and there have been many casualties. For all the Nells that have fallen, for all the Bennys accused of a crime they did not commit, there have been the moments of redemption, of social acceptance and the need of change and where better than in Liverpool, a city that holds that firmly in its grip and offers to all who stand by the city. It’s a busy time for the adult members of the cast too, doubling (tripling) up in roles as the plot requires. Royal Court favourite Lindzi Germain switches from a no-good lady of the streets to a kindly nurse, housekeeper and Yorkshire farmer in the space of the show’s two hour and 40 minutes’ run time. Read More Related Articles The gentleman soon recovered his sudden loss of wind, though the dirty footprint on his immaculate coat was not so easily removed. Here's the tater man," said Benny; "now for't, my gal. Pennorth o' taters—hot, plaise, an' a good sprinkle o' salt," said Benny, with quite an air of importance.

That said, there are some strong updates in the form of exciting choreography by Nazene Danielle, performed by a hard-working youthful ensemble sporting a catalogue of costumes from Benny’s-gone-by. The assortment of characters played by Lindzi Germain are a welcome break from the obligatory melancholy of the tale; she knows how to work the Royal Court regulars. All right, Benny." And again the great round eyes sought the glowing grate, and the sweet smile played over her face once more. Little Nelly Bates was a delicate-looking child, with a pale, thoughtful face, and big, round, dreamy-looking eyes. She had Eventually Nell shuffles off the mortal coil and probably gets to heaven or becomes a little angel and Benny decides the best thing he can do is head off down the road towards Manchester and then lie down and wait for death to take him Cheerfully Benny is rescued by a friendly farmer and is cured of his heavy heart by a healthy dose of farm activities and the outdoor lifestyle and goes on to make his way in the world with an almost improbable bought of self improvements. In the next street they caught sight of the glowing grate of Joe Wragg, the night watchman, and of Joe himself, sitting in the doorway of his little wooden hut.And so year by year they bid defiance to all law and authority. The police rarely, if ever, venture into this neighbourhood alone, or if one should be so foolish enough to do so, he has generally to pay dearly for his indiscretion. Then there was silence between them for awhile, and Joe went out and heaped more fuel on the grate, while Nelly kept her eyes steadily fixed on the fire. What did the child see as she gazed into its glowing depths? For ever and anon a sweet smile played around the corners of her month, and spread over her pale thoughtful face, lighting it up with ​a wonderful beauty, and smoothing out the lines of care that at other times were only too visible. Oh, never fear," said Benny, as he got hold of the portmanteau. "I's 'mazing strong, and I ken carry this like winkin'." And he trotted down the street before the gentleman in a way that showed he was in earnest about the matter. the street Arabs of our large towns and cities; on the contrary, there was an air of refinement about her that was difficult to account for. Poor little waif! Her own mother she could not remember. She had only known a stepmother—a cruel, drunken woman; and, alas! her father was no better. Almost as soon as she could walk she had been sent into the streets with her brother Benny, who was a ​year older, to get her living as best she could. Never knowing a parent's love, the affections of these two children had gone out to each other. Each to each was more than all the world beside. At the time our story opens Nelly was nine years of age, and Benny, as we said, a year older. Wish I could keep it for mysel'," he muttered; "but it's no go— the guv'nor will 'ave to 'ave it. But the coppers I'll keep 'ginst bad times. Here, Nell," he said, nudging his sister, "you keep these 'ere coppers; and then if the guv'nor axes me if I has any more, I can tell him no."