From the duo who brought us Dancing Shoes at this venue before Christmas (and The Scaff prior to that) comes another play providing a comic, tragic and moving portrait of life on the ‘other’ side of the tracks. In their latest offering Stephen Christopher & Graeme Smith bring us Sean and Davie who meet as kids on a housing scheme and, both father-less, hang out together escaping their drab surroundings via their favourite films. Their perspectives on life are betrayed as they frequently play characters set against the world whether it’s Butch and Sundance or Tony Montana.
Davie is clearly the more gallus of the two, claiming to have seen every single film ever made. Unsurprisingly his vibrant, imaginative approach to life knows few boundaries. The two end up in prison for drugs offences but Davie, set free before Sean, dies from an overdose within a day of his release. Despite still having a year to serve, Sean is determined to see to it his pal does not receive a ‘Section 87’ council funeral. Now just how might he go about that? Help is at hand as Davie returns as a ghost and manipulative prompt.
The tale unfolds within a harsh set of mobile, metallic crate-cum-columns (designer Gillian Argo) and is effectively, bleakly lit (Ana Reid), in contrast with the sharp, colourful dialogue delivered by Afton Moran (Sean) and Sean Connor (Davie). Directed by Jake Sleet, it rarely misses a beat, the laughs come easily and the suspense builds as the plot and the lads’ relationship begins to twist. Ruaraidh Murray skilfully navigates several roles including prison officer, London gangster (even a Police helicopter) but is most significant as the funeral director Mike, possibly the first masculine figure to display any care or sensitivity to the boys.
As Sean’s quest turns from venture to adventure, he almost becomes the legend himself and despite his incarceration, both he and Davie do, in a way, surmount their origins. Just don’t tell Ken Loach.
Reviewer: Roger Jacobs
Reviewed: 13th March 2026
North West End UK Rating:
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