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Reasons To Be Cheerful
- Tour & Scottish Premiere.
Playwright - Martin McCardie dramatised from Mark Steel's book
of the same name.
Director - Stuart Davids.
Set Designer - Moley Campbell.
Sound Designer - John Scott.
Lighting Designer - Dave Shea.
Company - 7:84 Theatre Company Scotland. Website.
Cast - here .
Venue - Dundee Repertory Theatre, South Tay Street Dundee
Dates & Time - 25 - 28 February at 7:45pm and then touring
to various venues in Scotland.
Rest of 2003 Tour Dates and Times - here .
Run Time - 2 hrs 15 minutes including an interval of 15minutes.
Reviewer - Jan Natanson.
More comedy than drama.
The play is inspired by the book "Reasons to be Cheerful" by
comedian Mark Steel - a personal account of 25 years of being involved
in political activism . Not a straightforward adaptation, the play is
set in a Glasgow high rise block of flats. Three friends get back together
after a long estrangement to celebrate Bobby's 43rd birthday. All three
share a history of left wing political activism in their youth.
Since then their lives and politics have diverged. Kate is now a new Labour
councillor. Michael is a London based stand up comedian whose affluent
life style is at odds with the politics of his comedy routine. Bobby is
the only one still active in grass roots protest and community political
activism. The play explores idealism, politics and friendship while looking
back at the changes and events that have shaped the world they inhabit
today. It is also very very funny.
The set, with the large television screen dominating the dingy flat,
integrates and illuminates underlying themes in the play - both personal
and political. The dialogue is quick, witty and at times hilarious with
many excellent jokes. Often you don't want to laugh too much in case you
miss something. There is a lot of comedy which helps to enliven a piece
somewhat lacking in overall drama.
The actors work well in this strong ensemble piece, but it is very much
Bobby's story. Frank Gallagher is excellent as the birthday boy. With
subtlety, he encompasses a range of emotions. He makes us care about Bobby
and his political ideals by showing the vulnerability of the human being
behind the slogans.
© Jan Natanson 25 February - Published on EdinburghGuide.com
Cast: Bobby - Frank Gallagher, Michael - Neil
McKiven and Kate - Maureen Carr.
2004 Tour Details of 7:84 Theatre Company's
production of Reasons To Be Cheerful .
Tour begins
19 - 21st Feb at 7.30pm
Paisley Arts Centre 0141 887 1010.
25 - 28 Feb at 7:45pm, Sat Mat at 2:30pm Dundee Rep 01382 223530.
3 March at 8pm Livingston Howden Park Centre 01506 433634.
4 March at 7:30pm Peebles Eastgate Arts Centre 01721 722991.
5 March at 7:30pm Dunfermline Carnegie Hall 01383 314000.
9 March at 8pm Stirling macrobert Theatre 01786 466666.
11 March at 7:30pm Lossiemouth New Hall 01343 812047.
12th & 13 March at 7:30pm Musselburgh Brunton Theatre 0131 665
2240.
16 - 20 March at 7:30pm Glasgow Tron Theatre 0141 552 4267.
23 March at 8pm Inverness Eden Court Theatre 01463 234234.
24 March at 7:30pm Ballachullish Village Hall 01855 811 979.
25 March at 7:30pm Plockton Hall 01599 544750.
27 March at 7:30pm Tarbert, Harris Sir E Scott School Hall Tkts
available from John Morrison's Shop and on the night. 01859 502319.
30 March at 8pm Islay Bowmore Hall 01496 860216.
1 April at 7:30pm Aberdeen The Lemon Tree 01224 642230.
3 April at 7:45pm Cumbernauld Theatre 01236 732887.
6 - 10 April at 8pm Edinburgh Traverse Theatre 0131 228 1404.
Tour ends.
Theatre Editor, Thelma Good's e-mail is
thelma@edinburghguide.com
Although every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the
information presented in these pages, no responsibility can be accepted
for any errors or omissions.
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