We’ve got a fantastic cast, which is always a good thing. You can really depend on the people around you. The talent in the kids is amazing. That’s the way it is in Liverpool.” Dalton remarked, “The whole experience of sensing an audience living each moment of the show makes ‘Her Benny’ so special to me.”

He said: “It’s great to be on the artistic side of the panto and creating it as well as being in it. My pastoral work, during a three years' residence in Liverpool, called me frequently into some of the poorest neighbourhoods of that city, where I became acquainted ​with most of the originals of this story. It was not until I had seen the little Arabs of the streets in their homes—if such haunts of wretchedness be worthy the name—that I felt that interest in, and sympathy for them, which I have experienced ever since. Getting to know them in their homes, I was glad to stop and speak to them in the streets, and give them a word of sympathy and encouragement. They are not all bad, as many people seem to think. Many of them try hard to earn an honest living, though they find it a difficult matter, especially when at home they receive no encouragement, while in the streets temptation is being continually put in their way by those of whom "Perks" so justly complained. Little Nelly Bates was a delicate-looking child, with a pale, thoughtful face, and big, round, dreamy-looking eyes. She had To occupy two rooms is a luxury that only comparatively few families indulge in. why should they pay rent for two rooms when one will answer the purpose?

SILAS K. HOCKING,

The 25th Anniversary sees a masterful musical score with elevated orchestration brought to life by talented and revered vocalists. The vibrant opening number plunges us into the hustle and bustle of Victorian Liverpool streets accompanied by lively, energetic movement. a b c d e f g h i j k l m Sutherland, John (1989). The Stanford Companion to Victorian Fiction. Stanford University Press. p. 301. And she wrapped her tattered clothes more closely around her, and looked eagerly down Lord Street and up and down Castle Street. But no Benny appeared in sight.

That said, there are some strong updates in the form of exciting choreography by Nazene Danielle, performed by a hard-working youthful ensemble sporting a catalogue of costumes from Benny’s-gone-by. The assortment of characters played by Lindzi Germain are a welcome break from the obligatory melancholy of the tale; she knows how to work the Royal Court regulars. Here's the tater man," said Benny; "now for't, my gal. Pennorth o' taters—hot, plaise, an' a good sprinkle o' salt," said Benny, with quite an air of importance.

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The gentleman soon recovered his sudden loss of wind, though the dirty footprint on his immaculate coat was not so easily removed. If he 'ad a-catched me, I'd a-got a walloping, an' no mistake. Hullo, Nell! what's a matter?" he said, as he saw great tears on the cheeks of his little crouching sister. If I were to choose a reading list for those younger people interested in what life was like and still is for many on the streets of our cities even today, this book would be top of the list.

Benny's eyes gleamed as he caught sight of something white between the gentleman's finger and thumb. In the next street they caught sight of the glowing grate of Joe Wragg, the night watchman, and of Joe himself, sitting in the doorway of his little wooden hut. May we eat our taters by your fire, Joe?" said the plaintive voice of little Nelly, as she placed her tiny hand on the fence, on which a red light was burning. All right, Benny." And again the great round eyes sought the glowing grate, and the sweet smile played over her face once more. The grouping of the characters that figure in the story is purely fictitious, but not the characters themselves. Benny and little Nell, Perks and Joe Wrag, Granny and Eva Lawrence, are drawn from life. I knew them well. Some of them are alive to-day, others have gone to their rest.And this could be the year that Her Benny joins an exclusive theatrical band made up of the esteemed likes of Shirley Valentine and Blood Brothers. The much-loved family show, starring Bernie Nolan and Sam Kane, was once known as ‘Her Benny’, but has been revamped and renamed in time for Liverpool’s Capital of Culture year. To have two of Liverpool’s most recognisable and much admired actors who have called the Royal Court a theatrical home, performing in such a prestigious production such as Her Benny, especially in its 25 th Anniversary year, that is a celebration of both the musical’s appeal to the people of the city that encapsulate the hope found in the streets that edge the Mersey.

And so year by year they bid defiance to all law and authority. The police rarely, if ever, venture into this neighbourhood alone, or if one should be so foolish enough to do so, he has generally to pay dearly for his indiscretion. Peter Brindle plays the amicable Joe Wragg and says: “I love his overall persona. He is warm, loving and caring although he goes through his own tough times. It’s an honour to take on such a role.” His companion, Sally Wragg is played by Janet Cowley whose effortless vocals provide a comforting relief from the poverty and illness that permeated the streets of Victorian England. Whilst, loveable characters such as Sniffer, Benny’s dear friend and Mr and Mrs Fisher from the farm where Benny grows up, bring a timely touch of humour and joviality to the stage. Writer and Director, Anne Dalton says: “I can’t believe it’s been 25 years! What more could I ask for? This anniversary production of Liverpool’s favourite book being performed by an exceptional cast in a wonderful theatre in its spiritual home. It doesn’t get better than this!”And the child moved a little farther into the shadow of the church, to escape the keen cold blast that swept up from the river.