Review: Stepping Out, People’s Theatre, Newcastle

Toe-tapping  comedy Stepping Out has returned to the People’s Theatre with a hot tap turned up to full heat.

Richard Harris’ comedy about a group of women, and one man, who meet weekly at a church hall to take part in Mavis Turner’s tap dancing class delivers its fair share of laughs, as the women (and man, Geoffrey, played by Roger Liddle) attempt to dance.

All the cast deliver the giggles, though Anne Havis can be relied upon, as ever, as the formidable, temperamental pianist, Mrs Fraser – at least her piano playing is better than her cooking in May’s Woman in Mind!

For participating in the weekly class allows the women (and Geoffrey) to step out from their normal day to day lives to cast their cares aside, don their dodgy leotards, and dance.

The subplots which Harris sprinkles throughout his script, particularly in the second half, are not always convincing.

For instance, a hefty issue such as domestic violence should be given more attention than a brief mention.

But, perhaps that’s the point.

Perhaps Mavis’ class is as much respite from such troubles for the audience as it is for the tappers; a little reminder of the stomps outside the hall, whilst the (sometimes) measured taps go on outside.

It may be a comedy in here, but don’t forget it’s dodgy outside of the cosy church hall, even if the toilets aren’t as clean as they could be.

Although you can’t fault the production, Harris’ script seemed a little long.

The change of setting, in which they perform their routine for the charity gala, is welcome, and the cast pull off the crowd-pleasing finale very well.

Stepping Out runs at the People’s Theatre, Newcastle until Saturday 21st June. Tickets are available from the Box Office on 0191 265 5020 and online.