THE Royal Court is called the Peoples' Theatre here on Merseyside because it knows its audience.

It also supports new writing talent and takes risks.

Their latest production comes from the pen of Iain Christie, who is also their stalwart marketing guru and has seen his fair share of user-friendly shows.

He is a graduate of their Stage Write programme which has also produced commendable work for the Royal Court Studio below the main house.

It's an all encompassing creative mission that is rightly applauded.

Bingo Star - directed by the talented Emma Bird - follows the Court's penchant for punnery in their show titles.

The former Beatle drummer is mentioned in the storyline. You get the picture - Ringo Starr gets a few name checks while another Moptop is more than mentioned in dispatches but that's all I'm saying. The Court loves to unleash plot surprises.

St Helens Star: Production shot from 'Bingo Star'Production shot from 'Bingo Star' (Image: Jason Roberts Photography)

Iain's big debut is an ensemble piece about a bingo hall that faces closure due to a property developer's stitch up.

Alan Stocks is the felt jacket-coated, world-weary Arthur who is supported in his crusade to save the building by family and new friends including his daughter Lesley (Keddy Sutton) and her offspring Bella (Paige Fenton) .

Helen Carter plays feisty, leather-clad Debbie and Jonathan Markwood is the hippy-esque Keyboard Keith who sounds a lot like Doc from the Back to The Future movies.

A smart-suited Paul Duckworth is councillor Tony who has his eye on Lesley and other less romantic targets.

Liverpool Council come in for some ribbing - a Royal Court trademark.

Surprisingly, we do not get to see much of Paul and Keddy's superb comic timing as their characters aren't given the opportunity to add their respective stamps to the dialogue.

That said, Iain's script has some good one-liners and observations with local references.

We do hear a selection of '80s live music from Helen and Paige belting out Elton John classics.

There is also an acoustic version of Cyndi Lauper's Time after Time from Paige and a rousing finale in Don't Stop Believing.

The two-hour plus production takes place on a revolving stage designed by the ever-inventive Olivia Du Monceau featuring the run-down bingo hall with the balls machine and neon lights as well as the local food bank.

The theme of loyalty and community is threaded throughout.

And, so, to the star of the show ... The bingo.

The much-loved game is as popular as ever and is one of the reasons the writer decided to create his quirky entertainment project.

The cast and audience actually play live bingo from the stage where you can win £50 per one winnng line.

The Court have produced 15,000 cards - so they are taking it seriously.

My main concern is that it leads to a 'stop and start' scenario approach to the plot.

The games are loud and raucous but would be better suited at the close of play - maybe as one complete full house pre-encore so as not to affect the flow.

Bingo Star does what it says on the poster.It takes the game into another dimension.with an end-of-the-pier appeal.

it's a home-grown show with a big heart with the emphasis on fun and games.

Verdict: Housey Housey Party!

Three stars

The production is on until April 8.

Tickets from 0151 709 4321