Duo set to shine in epic tale of Liverpool's hey day

Jul 11 2008 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

Simon Bailey is a quarter of the talented musical group Teatro and has played Ringo Starr in a world tour of Rock Legends.

He has also had a lead role in Les Miserables and helped Lord Webber look after his Joseph contestants in the TV reality show Any Dream Will Do.

Lots of claims to fame then. Now the West End musical theatre star is adding another, playing a scoundrel – but a charming one – in Once Upon a Time at the Adelphi at the Liverpool Playhouse.

This epic tale of love and life in 1930s Liverpool follows events as the glitz and glamour of Hollywood pour off the luxury liners for their first taste of England, booking into the city’s most famous hotel, then the place to be.

Bailey is joined by fellow West End stars Julie Atherton (Mamma Mia and Avenue Q) and Natasha Searle (Les Mis and Aspects of Love), all delighted to be in this new musical.

He said: “It’s about the beauty of Liverpool in its heyday. That’s so right when the city is riding high again. I fell in love with it the first time I visited.

“This is a love story that will make you laugh and cry. It looks amazing. We have these wonderful stylish period costumes. Women wear long silk dresses and fur wraps and we men are in sharp suits.

“The score is fantastic. There are catchy tunes, jitterbug and tango music that will have everyone rocking, then the lovely, romantic songs. It's nostalgia, heartfelt, happy, a great evening out.”

The story unfolds amid the glamour and chaos of five-star hotel life as no-nonsense Alice, from reception, falls in love with the dashing Thompson, from accounts. Fate, Hollywood, Second World War and a dizzying array of staff and guests ensure the path of true love is far from smooth.

Bailey is Thompson, not a bad man really, he says: “He’s a switched on individual going places. Yes, he is a bit of a scoundrel and fantastic to play!”

Once Upon a Time at the Adelphi is proving so popular, it has had its run extended until August 2. Tickets are available at everymanplayhouse.com or on 0151 709 4776.