Review: Pharoah Cross the Mersey at The Royal Court Theatre Liverpool

If you’re looking for the perfect pun-tastic, rib-tickling, hand-clapping Scouse panto this festive season, relax… the Royal Court has pulled off another Christmas cracker.

Writer Fred Lawless, director Howard Gray and producer Kevin Fearon have gone the extra Nile this time, delving deep into the sands of time to discover a forgotten Scouse tale rich in romance, adventure and upside down pyramids.

Lindzi Germain and Michael Starke take centre stage as Queen Nerfertiti and King Tut with Andrew Scofield (Bill) and Danny O’Brien (Ben) doing their best to keep the kingdom in good, or bad, working order.

Newly-engaged tourists Michael Fletcher (Boris) and Hayley Hampson (Daisy) are miraculously transported back to the time of the pharaohs, thanks to Daisy’s Lost Amulet of Eternal Power (a gold Liver Bird). Nerfertiti wants the amulet, and Daisy’s man, and what the Queen wants, the Queen gets…or does she?

Cue the ancient love potion, an inspection of Bill’s runes and a guest appearance by the Three (lost) Wise Men looking for Bethlehem.

The band put in a great shift with some well-known hits, including Hey Big Spender, Night Boat To Cairo and of course, Walk Like An Egyptian.

Queen Nefertiti is a truly magnificent sight belting out Crazy Love (Beyonce watch out!) and Tut finally gets his act together with the missus after a trip down memory lane to the She club and a showdown in the Lobster Pot (just don’t mention Ugly’s!). Without giving the ending away, it all ends happily.

If you like comedy camels and daft gags about pyramid tea bags, then don’t take the hump, bring yer mummy (and daddy) along for a great night out. Take it away slaves!