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Sunday Mornings on Dundee Law (The Byre Theatre)


The Courier - 4th May 2007

IDEAL CAST TURN OUT THEATRICAL TREAT
Review by Garry Fraser for The Courier & Advertiser

IF ONE man has a knack of developing ideas into a theatrical treat, it is Mike Gibb, whose latest musical play, Sunday Morning on Dundee Law, opened on Wednesday in St Andrews Byre Theatre, writes Garry Fraser.

It might not be as profound as his Mother Of All The Peoples, but its straight forward theme of two couples and their lives and loves makes an excellent evening's entertainment when coupled with Mike's mixture of comedy and tragedy.

There is a strong accent on comedy in this work, punched out to great effect by a fine cast whose individual talents Mike knows very well. All six were in excellent form, giving fine characterisations to their parts. Having to sing with a backing track is not easy but if anyone was fazed by this is certainly was not obvious.

Tricia Stewart excels as Angie Reynolds. This young lady has a fine grasp of comic timing and a soaring crystal clear voice, and this is yet another if a line of fine performances. Sue Robertson is hot on her heels in terms of quality giving a perfect interpretation of the determined by ultimately heart-broken Barbara Burnett. In song, both had equal chances to shine, with Tricia's Grow Old Gracefully and Sue's poignant rendering of the title song at the finale my favourites.

Playing opposite this talented duo were Gordon Massie and Adam McNamara. Gordon was perfect as the gallous young Dundee laddie Matt Meldrum, as was Adam as his slightly morose cousin.

They were no slouches in the musical side of things either with Nae Germans There particularly well delivered, although not with the same strong projection as Sue and Tricia.

Making a marvellous cameo as Hazel, Angie's mother, was Anne Bruce. Her brilliant portrayal of a larger-then-life, mutton-dressed-as-lamb Dundee wifie at times threatening to steal the show.

Completing a fine cast was Lynne Binnie as Ruth Meldrum.

This was Lynne's first attempt at direction, made easier with the strong cast, but her own touches, like the use of projection photographs and a simple set, were effective.

Kevin Walsh's music fitted in well after one or two problems with balance.

There are only a handful of tickets left but if you miss this, another of Mike's plays, Five Pounds and Twa Bairns, is at Dundee Rep in June.



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