‘Bold, brash, big hearted and unapologetically Scouse – a love letter to a city and a decade’
The Peaceful Hour 2 is Liverpool Royal Court’s new Scouse comedy, don’t be thinking you’re in for a quiet night at the theatre, instead more a comedy of errors with more drama than Corrie! Written by Gerry Linford and directed by Emma Bird.
Step back to 1980s Liverpool – complete with the gordy home colours, patterned curtains and a soundtrack that could resurrect your old cassette collection. From the moment the curtain rises, the set (Christopher McCourt) does half the storytelling. The stage is dressed with forensic attention to detail: a living room complete with rattan coffee stands, old stereo systems and a drinks cabinet stocked with some of your finest knock off brands.
The script leans hard into Scouse wit: rapid-fire banter and razor-sharp insults. There’s something uniquely musical about a Liverpool argument, and this cast exploits it beautifully. Even the rows feel affectionate. The humour isn’t just about punchlines; it’s about timing, tone and that unmistakable Scouse gift for storytelling — making the everyday epic and the tragic hilarious. Who knew getting ‘off your tits’ could be so poetic.
Threaded through it all are 80s bangers from the casts and titled show ‘The Peaceful Hour’ hosted by Liverpool’s one and only Pete Price. Soothing sounds to calm even the biggest of thugs into dance. These hits turn the production into a joyous jukebox. Musical direction was by Jessica Dives.
The ensemble cast is a riot of diverse characters, each vividly drawn and fiercely individual.
Let’s begin with lovable dope Carl (Lenny Wood), he may not be the sharpest tool in the box but what he lacks in brains he makes up for in effort and heart. Then, onto his polar opposite Tim (George Turner), a little out of his depth in his environment but full of facts and brains that those around him lack. With his strong, energetic and hopeful wife Julie (Ellie Clayton) by his side they make an excellent duo in contrast and chemistry. Julie’s poor sister Ange (Angela Simms) is all set for her big day, dealing with heart ache, constant problems and a disapproving family, she fights for true love. It’s hard to fight for true love when your own mother Edna (Julie Glover) fears your future has limited prospects. Edna does fiercely protect her brood and is always a little cheeky and brash along the way. Finally, our final 2 characters, Tommy (Michael Hawkins) soft, unable to be quiet when he really aught to be and with zero emotional regulation. He can go from zero to panic in no time. There’s every reason for this due to gangster about town Frankie (Nathan McMullen) who you wouldn’t want to meet on a dark night, unless of course you have a good 80s soundtrack behind to help soothe his aggressive nature.
The lighting (Ian Scott) and sound (Kate Harvey) complements the production well with good timing for the cues on stage and implementing the radio show. Some slightly late microphone cues but it is first performance and it didn’t take away from the show.
Costumes (Christopher McCourt) were authentic to their 80s era with the big hair, curls, shell suits, puffs and frills of wedding dresses and all in one outfits. Each character completely different and represented effortlessly through their attire.
It celebrates a city that laughs loudest when times are toughest. Bold, brash, big-hearted and unapologetically Scouse, it’s a love letter to a city and a decade. It really is ‘a nice day for a Scouse wedding.’
Review Date: 12th February 2026
Star Rating: FOUR