Dancin' Thru the Dark

Based on Russell's play 'Stags & Hens' the screen version captures the essence of the traditional British pre-wedding celebrations. Linda & Dave are made for each other and are waiting for their fairy-tale wedding day so they can spend the rest of their lives together. From Linda leaving the factory she works in to Dave & the boys visiting the local Indian restaurant and taking advice about not mixing their drinks, Russell's portrayal of the Liverpudlian working classes is perfect! Pulling on your heartstrings from every possible angle, this film follows Linda's journey of self discovery...is there anything better beyond the Mersey? With a catchy sound track and brilliant performances throughout, this is definitely one to watch. A treat for any Willy Russell fan!

A beautiful film, which captures the sadness, squalor and decay of post-Beatles Liverpool and the wasted young lives of those growing up there. It is a sort-of musical comedy, with a superb ensemble of well-rounded characters, all desperate in their different ways, with talents and flaws. Even Mark Womack as Eddie is not a mere stage villain, but rather an embittered and unstable but loyal friend.

The theme is simple - leaving home - and the execution brilliant. The early scenes, as a London rock group encounters the horrors of run-down Liverpool - predatory kids and a hostile pub - are hilarious. The theatrical origins of the film are retained with the most dramatic scenes staged in the ladies' and gents' toilets of a down-town disco. The plot is so straightforward as to be trite, but the writing (by Willy Russell from his stage play), the energetic direction by Mike Ockrent and the vitality of the performances make this a film to remember.

True love overcomes in this brilliant film based on Willy Russell's play "Stags And Hens." Set in the pubs and clubs of Liverpool, a bride-to-be, her fiance and her ex-boyfriend are the main ingredients in a dry comedy where the dialogue is sharp and funny and the drama is surprisingly absorbing. Excellent casting with Con O'Neil and Claire Hackett performing superbly in the lead roles. The soundtrack is quite good too.

Dancin' through the Dark is a favourite nostalgia film about nightlife in the pre-britpop 90's. Nightclubs playing the most awful music, live here-today-gone-tomorrow bands, and a flotsam of characters who are obviously the fore-runners of today's Chavs.

We meet Dave, out on his stag night, soon to be almost comatose with drink, accompanied by his loyal mates, oh and some total animal who's idea of a good night out is a fight and a sh*g. His bride-to-be is having second thoughts, which are only intensified by the reappearance of a former beau who has made it big in the music industry and co-incidentally is appearing in the nightclub where she is enjoying her hen night.

To complicate issues further, Dave is also in the nightclub (throwing up in the toilet - a place he occupies for most of the rest of the film) causing mayhem amongst the Hen party who feel very bad ramifications will result if they meet prior to the nuptials.

I won't spoil the ending, but rest assured, the path of true love does not run smoothly, neither does a scouser scorned take betrayal lightly.

Favourite quote:

Man Dancing: Do you want to come back to my place tonight? Hen night girl: What for? Man Dancing: A F**k and a pizza. (Pause - music still playing and everyone dancing) Hen night girl: Is it a wholemeal pizza? (Man dancing is taken aback)

I am reflective of the age of the cast in this movie and saw it when it came out and it really hit the mark with me. Many of the actors in it have had pretty solid careers on TV but I am amazed that at least some of them like Con O'Neil never really hit the big time. Suffice to say if you are a Generation X'er like myself and have not seen this film I advice you to give it a go next time it is on the TV it really takes you back to pub and club life and the pro's and cons of life back then for working class men and women.