Changing
Kevin's Story
Playwright - Chris Rattray
Company - Dundee Rep Theatre Company website
Director - Ian Grieve
Venue - Dundee Rep 01382 223530
Dates - Premiered in November 2000 now in 2001 summer season
see listings for current
Dundee Rep Productions
Reviewer Thelma Good
The Mill Lavvies by Chris Rattray gave us the early story of
Kevin. Changing Kevin's Story is its sequel. Set in Dundee in
the mid sixties when the jute mills are going into decline we meet Kevin
who's still got his desire to make it big. He can't play guitar because
of his injury, sustained in a mill accident, but he can still sing.
The first act of the play mainly takes place in a typical Dundee pub
of the sixties where the only modern fixture is the jukebox. Into the
pub comes Kevin, he's got a letter from Decca. Even the old guys know
that is news and the rest of his band's reactions range from excitement
to panic. Frank has a wife he's in terror of and a slow brain and ear
that make even more problems for him. But Jimmy, who's just the roadie,
knows that it's Kevin's lyrics that have the power.
These songs, actually written by Chris Rattray for the play, aren't
as good as the plot would have us believe. And that's the only place
where this production didn't quite convince, though the songs were very
well performed with fun fantasy sequences. That aside there are consistently
fine performances from the increasingly strong ensemble which Dundee
audiences have the great fortune to see grow in this permanent company.
This gives us several chances to see actors who were central characters
in the previous production, Plague, provide small but telling cameos
this time.
The second act, set in the famed Marquee Club, brings us three new female
characters also from a declining mill area, Accrington. Their north
west accents and sixties girlish behaviour continued the accuracy all
the cast caught in their gestures and mannerisms for the way some of
us were back then. Chris Rattray has given his characters clear individual
natures, so true to life I heard members of the audience recognise their
friends and acquaintances in them. In this entertaining and amusing
play, Rattray also highlights the strength of friendship and treachery
of acquaintances making the play more than simply a light entertainment.
This company are certainly worth travelling to see.
© Thelma Good November 2000
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