‘warm laughter with food for thought’
Four young disabled Scousers set off on a pilgrimage to Lourdes the home of miracle cures with just one, Helen (Sophia Adzoa-Moore) hoping for a miracle cure. Rose (Maisy Gordon) is going to keep her cousin, Helen, company whilst hoping for a few nights out with some cheap drinks. Cheeky Connor (Reece Pantry) bumps into Rose beforehand hears about the pilgrimage to Lourdes and blags himself a free trip in the hope of spending time with Rose. Callum (Stephen Smith) is going because in his words his parents like to get rid of him for a couple of weeks. Sister Mary (Pauline Daniels) is the Nun charged with looking after them all and she has her work cut out! Father Luke (Oliver Maudsley) is new to the Priesthood and with a connection to Rose has he made the right life choices? God (Julie McNamara) keeps us to speed with what is happening and her thoughts about miracles. Saint Bernadette (Naomi Gray, also the BSL interpreter) is there as a reminder of the true meaning of Lourdes.
Sister Mary despairs as Lourdes should be about prayers, candle light processions, receiving the holy water and miracles but this group has other ideas, can she stop it from all falling apart and will there be a miracle cure? Will everyone find the answers in life that they are looking for and does everyone want a miracle. It can be a little slow in parts but Sister Mary (Pauline Daniels and Rose (Maisy Gordon) are both excellent spikey characters and Callum (Stephen Smith) has some great sparky one liners delivered with true feeling.
The stage setting is lovely with plenty of Murals of Our Lady and a nod to local culture. The use of neon lighting around the set adds to the atmosphere and creates a warm glow.
The writer, Laurence Clark, has drawn on his own life experiences and written a thoughtful, powerful play full of heart with laugh out loud moments, some close to the bone, and provided us with some stirring questions to ask ourselves.
There is embedded access throughout with audio description combination of scripted context and delivery live by Julie McNamara (God) and BSL interpretation is by Naomi Gray (Saint Bernadette). There is also a relaxed performance on the 3rd June with a laid-back atmosphere suitable for people with autism, dementia or learning difficulties.
Cured plays at Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre to 6th June 2026.
Review Date: 28th May 2026
Star Rating: THREE