The 'Liver Birds' - a fairer view
SIR - I feel very strongly that Sarah Shepheard's article on the 'Liver Birds' was unfair to the Falcon Players, especially the principal actresses.
I say the play on the second night and thoroughly enjoyed the show. So too did the rest of the audience, judging by the comments I overheard.
It was unfair to criticise Sue Vickers for forgetting her lines (only two - though Sarah Shepheard makes it appear more), especially as she played the part of Sandra with exactly the right amount of restraint to fully realise the comic situation involved in sharing a flat with such a lough and uncultured girl as Beryl.
Rebecca Bridges as Beryl was little short of perfect, and I was not the only one who used the expression "brilliant". The two actresses, contrary to what Sarah Shepheard claims, did play off each other, with Miss Vickers cleverly allowing Miss Bridges to set the pace of the comedy.
I must also congratulate Rebecca Bridges on her accent, as two real-life 'Scouses' I know said it was very good, and she obviously worked hard to perfect it.
Essentially the evening was a performance of amateur dramatics, and the Falcon Players had made a great effort to provide the comic entertainment, something which Sarah Shepheard totally fails to mention.
I am sure the public enjoyed the 'Liver Birds' and surely that is the only true measure of a successful play. Perhaps next time Sarah Shepheard will be a little more positive in her criticism.
Well done Falcon Players.
A.B. Cambellack
15 Wallace Road
Loughborough.
We would like to point out that our reporter saw the show on the opening night and her review is an assessment of that performance. It is quite possible the show picked up in following performances. - Editor.