PREVIEW: 'Hard Times' at the Liverpool Playhouse

WHAT the Dickens is going on?

Hard Times, one of darkest of works by Charles Dickens, is being presented in colour.

Northern Broadsides are renowned for their novel work and their latest adaptation is coming to Liverpool with glowing reviews in tow for their play which features a circus.

Their eye-catching posters always reflect the mould-breaking productions from this leading light in drama.

They do things their own distinctive way.

Broadside's version of Hard Times is about suppressed love, seduction and social mores.

It has the 'S' factor taking audiences to a world where imagination is forbidden, described as an hilarious tale of repression and longing.

Conrad Nelson, resident director, is now the newly-appointed artistic director and takes over the mantle from Broadsides founder and figurehead Barrie Ruttter who leaves on April 1 after 25 years.

The much-loved company will be in solid, creative yet adventurous hands as prolific Conrad is a stalwart there alongside his wife – the award-winning Deborah McAndrew, one of the brightest writers in the UK.

Conrad (above), who lived in Bromborough, attended Wirral Grammar School (he was once an acting Head Boy).

He says his brilliant drama teacher Geoff Hinds certainly inspired the then sport-loving pupil.

Conrad an actor, director, choreographer and composer is passionate about his work.

"It's been brilliant, exciting, difficult at times but always ground-breaking."

He stresses his new job means its 'business as usual' - progressing but keeping a solid attachment to the past and their award-winning pedigree with a great belief in positive mentoring.

He has been with the company for 25 years and involved in every production they have done for 14 years – and that involved two a year.

All in all, Conrad has 58 shows to his credit Now the shows will go on with hands on Conrad firmly at the helm.

Halifax-based Broadsides have made quite a massive impact over the years with their visits to the Everyman and its in-the-round format which suits their inventive interpretations.

They are firm favourites at the Playhouse, too.

Their last production - Cyrano adapted by Deborah - was another stylish success story bursting with energy and humour.

Northern Broadsides are past masters at making Shakespeare even more accessible to audiences.

Now their Dickens adaptation will delight as it brings out the 'colour' amid the dark satanic mills of the dark Northern Powerhouse of 1854.

Says Conrad: "It's set in the fictional town of Coketown where Thomas Gradgrind will not permit fanciful thoughts."

So enter Ring master Sleary's vibrant, three-ringed attraction which brings its own brand of excitement.

Adds Conrad: "Audiences will meet the characters below a big top where the flames of a circus fire-eater become the flaming coals of the inscrutable Louisa Gadgrind.

Conrad Nelson at work (picture by Nobby Clark)

"In Deborah's witty and imaginative adaptation we maintain the humour and pathos of the original novel presented with a lightness of touch in a clear and fluent manner.

"It is not a novel on stage.

"We have taken the drama of the piece – no narrative as such, but our ten-strong cast bring a fresh and immediate approach through dialogue and action."

So roll up, roll up for a magical time – Broadsides are back in town.

Hard Times is at the Liverpool Playhouse from this Tuesday, March 27 until Saturday, March 31. 

0151 709 4776 .