Review: Walk Like a Man @ Laurels Theatre (10.9.25)

After a brilliantly received debut at Gosforth Civic Theatre, Walk Like a Man (WLAM) returns for an extended run, this time at Laurels in Whitley Bay. If its first outing proved the show’s power to capture audiences, this second run only confirms it: WLAM is a funny, heartfelt, and thoroughly grounded piece of theatre.

The play centres on Jack, played in this run by Jonny Larman, a younger brother who has been press-ganged into the family plumbing business. Overshadowed by his macho father Mick (Steven Lowes) and tormented by older brother Michael (Craig Pearson), Jack hides a secret longing that pulls him far from pipes and wrenches: a desire to perform, and in particular, a passion for drag. With the unexpected guidance of Uncle Derek (Gary Abraham), Jack begins to carve a path of his own.

What makes Walk Like a Man stand out is its authenticity. The characters feel lived-in, never falling into easy caricature. Mick, for instance, could have been a one-note figure, but instead is written and performed with nuance, revealing both his old-school attitudes and his deep love for his son. It’s little wonder—the writer and performer Steven Lowes drew much of Mick from his own father, even down to his favourite expressions. These small details lend the dialogue a sharpness and familiarity that rings true.

The supporting cast only adds to the richness of the world. Heather Dowey (as Mam Michelle) brings natural warmth despite being a first-time actress, while Lynn Huntley delights as Auntie Sue, whose rambunctious energy lights up every scene. Ray the Barman (James Craister) and Eddie the Mackem (Colin Coombs) bring the local pub to life with humour and grit, grounding the story firmly in its Geordie setting.

Staging the play at Laurels introduces a new level of intimacy. With just 56 seats and a narrower stage, the intensity of the more hard-hitting scenes has been greatly elevated. A wake scene is a particularly moving example of this, as whilst watching it, it becomes apparent that you’ve been there before, and you’ll be there again. There can be no bigger testament to stagecraft and good writing than that. 

This new run also features original songs composed by Steven, alongside choreographed dance routines devised by Lynn. These additions add a splash of ‘panache’ without undermining the play’s grounded tone. Where once upon a time, some might have expected WLAM to lean into am-dram territory, what emerges instead is a polished, professional piece that still carries the warmth of everyday storytelling.

From its beginnings as a nine-page short to its transformation into a full production with sequels and even a musical on the horizon, Walk Like a Man is a play with ambition. Yet at its core, it remains what Steven describes best: “theatre for people who don’t think they’re theatre people.” Everyday tales, told by everyday people—with humour, heart, and a truth that lingers long after the final bow.