Dancin' Thru the Dark

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' Thru The Dark This is based on Willy Russell's play "Stags and Hens".

Linda is an intelligent girl who is getting married the following day. She and her friends go on a hen night, while at the same time her simpleton of a fiancé is having his stag night. They all end up at a club where there is a rock band from London playing. The rock band is fronted by Linda's ex-boyfriend...

For those of us who come from humble origins and have escaped to loftier heights, we notice that there are really no powers from on high that press the lower classes to keep them in their place. There is no need for that: the lower classes keep themselves in place. Willy Russell has observed what I have observed. Anyone who tries to break the class barrier is held back by an intense amount of peer group pressure. And we see it in action in this film - in all its sordid detail. Willy Russell returns to this theme again and again in his works, and it is also the linchpin of his better-known "Educating Rita." There are a few scenes - such as the stags and hens pairing off far too quickly - which are a little unreal, which is why I have given it 9 instead of 10. Otherwise this film captures the social scenes it portrays exceedingly well.

Willy Russell himself appears as a bitter piece of work who challenges the rock band's guitarist and bass player to play some "real music," and gets a beer inside his trousers for his pains.

I have seen many stage plays mutilated by film makers. If anything, in this case. the original stage play is enhanced as a photoplay, but perhaps not enhanced enough: it still has the claustrophobia of the stage in places; and I doubt it was left like that to display the claustrophobia of a lower class existence.

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 gang of stags and hens end up in the same nightclub the night before a wedding with obvious and dramatic results.

Throw in a travelling band and a lead singer ( Con O'Neill ) who is an old flame of the bride to be and you have a very powerful mix indeed.

Most of the drama takes place in the toilets and themes explored previously by the writer are displayed here.

Class and escaping from the drabness of your lot like in his previous works are once again the main themes of this film .

However away from all this are some great comedy moments from a very good cast and also a great soundtrack.

All I will say is if you need cheering up watch this film and revel at some of the weird and wonderful scenes .

My favourite is the angry husband who come looking for his Madonna lookalike wife who has hooked up with one of the stags.

He turns up shouting whilst eating an apple and then drags her out. Quite what the relevance of this scene is I have no idea but it adds to the quirkiness of the whole thing .

The only reason I give it a 9 is because of the lighting. It's so dark on the set that half the time I had trouble keeping track of the characters. Otherwise, I loved this oh-so-believable winking slice of working-class life. I have a couple of questions for other viewers: 1. I don't recall actually seeing the much-commented-upon boots that Peter is wearing. Did anyone? 2. I also don't recall the name of Peter's band ever being mentioned. Is this correct?

Also, when Linda's friends try to convince her to leave because it's bad luck for her to see her groom the night before the wedding, I'm surprised she didn't suggest that _he_ leave, not her.

I also was impressed with the building tension that climaxed in the two bathrooms (Ladies and Gents respectively). A Russell masterpiece.

Anyone else in love with Con O'Neill? I adore Blood Brothers too!!!