Jus’ Like That – Lowry Theatre, Salford

Writer: John Fisher

Director: Patrick Ryecart

Reviewer: Dave Cunningham

The Public Reviews Rating:

It is hard to describe what made Tommy Cooper such a successful performer. His act sounds awful being little more than a string of poor Christmas cracker standard gags told whilst making a mess of a series of magic tricks. Really it was the latter that gave the act the post-modern twist that made it work. Knowing the audience were aware that the magic was simply a trick Cooper striped away all illusion and showed how it was done (or in many cases how it went wrong) which made the tricks that succeeded all the more special.

Jus’ Like That is an unashamed celebration of the life of Tommy Cooper. It does not pretend to be a critical analysis and is sympathetic even when bringing to light his problems .The play is book ended by a reproduction of Cooper’s act with a brief look at his private life slotted in-between.

Clive Mantle’s performance as Tommy Cooper convinces both physically and vocally. More important he catches the slightly distracted almost innocent air that Cooper used to give the impression of stumbling around the stage performing the tricks as if by accident. Mantle’s timing is immaculate allowing him to tease the audience with the possibility that a trick might go wrong and even cause harm before delivering it perfectly.

Having reproduced Cooper’s act in the first half the second opens backstage and fills in some biographical details with admirable brevity. We are made aware of the origins of Cooper’s trademark fez and how he met his wife, Gwen. Writer John Fisher shies away from revealing any truly unpleasant aspects of his subject’s life. Cooper‘s infidelity and lack of generosity are not mentioned. Instead Cooper’s dependence on alcohol and prescription drugs is attributed to his heavy workload, addictive personality and stage fright. It is an accurate but incomplete conclusion that does not give any indication of the effect on people other than Cooper.

Taking his lead from the uncritical author director Patrick Ryecart creates a warm atmosphere that builds as the evening progresses. By the end the audience are completely won over and laughing along with every awful joke.

Jus’ Like That reminds modern audiences that success in showbiz sometimes depends on sheer hard work and talent. Even if it does not entirely show the cost that is associated with this approach it is a great deal of fun and a suitable tribute to a fine performer.