Leitheatre over the years have built up a
loyal and regular following for their productions of Scottish
comedies - the Chippit Chantie and Walk into my Parlour come to
mind. This year they have chosen James Barclay's play set in the
East End of Glasgow in the 1940's when Britain was at war with
Germany.
Life has to go on for ordinary folk
despite the blackout, air raids, and food shortages. The play
touches on death, wedding preparations, and unrequited love.
Glasgow banter and one liners sustain the action from start
to finish. Strong performances from leads Billy Renfrew, as the
long suffering Wullie McSorley, and Ruth McLaren, as his even more
long suffering sister Annie, form the backbone of the play.
The highpoint in terms of comic timing is
the pub scene where Wullie meets up with local hood Fingers
McGeachie and prospective glaikit bridegroom Rasputin Plunkett,
both convincingly played by Clem Allan and Euan Gregor
respectively.
Good direction, staging and performances
make this an enjoyable evenings entertainment. If you are into
Scots cheeky humour, then give this production a try.
****
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