BOUNCERS bounced back to Liverpool in style - a year on since it's last incarnation.

John Godber's play about four very diverse doorman may look straight forward on paper - but on stage it's a different matter.

This is a show. And we are all watching our lives dance by.

This is dramatic irony and we - the audience - are already in our seats, drinks at the ready, re-winding a theatrical tape from our past .

Once these security nightclub guardians allow you into their world, anything can and will happen.

We meet the tuxedo-clad fab four.

The cast mingle with the audience before the show begins - a piece of theatre reminiscent of the Everyman.

When they take to the clever neon -l lit backdrop design from Richard Foxton we are invited to a night that brings back memories of clumsy disco brief encounters (mine usually) and ill -fated taxi journeys home, skint and hungover.

Wafts of cheap after-shave and perfume mingling before the morning after.

All scenarios are wonderfully acted out here as four actors play out about 30 roles in two hours.

These versatile performers have stamina - just like I had when I was a callow youth -saving up to go clubbing it.

The faultless four cast bring to life people we have all met along the way.

We all move on - even the bouncers who relished temporary power reflect on a world away from the Grafton.

Set in the 80s, the only nod to the politics of the time are references to Mrs Thatcher.

But phrases and sayings from the bar to powder room come floating back.

Does anyone say 'disco' anymore or 'DJ?'

Lucky Eric, played with his usual confidence and ease by Paul Broughton, makes his thought-provoking speeches and the others look on and hear (and mishear) as we all do at times.

Weary Eric is philosophical in a pub sort of way.

Give Michael Starke a role and it's his.

He squeezes every emotional, comedic twist and turn he can.

As Judd, he plays to the aisles He makes every part he plays a teal treat for audiences because he knows them and they know him.

Danny O'Brien as Les is a great part of this four piece jigsaw - likeable and funny throughout.

And what an inspirational move having Louis Emerick as Ralph.

Louis is in sparkling form adding some laugh out loud moments.

Louis ably slips into a few crazy cameos.

Director Bob Eaton with his effortless style allows the actors to breathe.

On the way home and no longer tempted go to a nightclub, I remembered the sounds of The Real Thing, Barry White and Van McCoy.

They were great days and it's fab to re-relive them - and that is what Bouncers does; a ticket to ride back on that rollercoaster.

I tripped the light fantastic and I met bouncers just like these guys.

I bumped into an old mate called Ian (bouncers never gave you their surname) one of the best doormen in town, and I said “You have to go to see Bouncers at the Royal Court. You are in it...'

And then I realised, I was too - in fact, we all are.

FIVE Stars. Happy Daze.

Tickets from Royal Court booking office: 08707 871 866