Crocodile Rock theatre review: Gallus one-man musical
Darren Brownlie powers Andy McGregor’s tale of a young gay man breaking out of a small town
This isn’t Elton tribute territory: the stone of the title, painted to look like a croc, is in Millport on the west coast isle of Cumbrae. This is the setting for Andy McGregor’s gallus one-man musical, powered by Darren Brownlie with megawatt Glesga energy. It’s a tale as old as time, as 17-year-old Steven grows up, comes out and realises he’s a smalltown boy who needs to leave home to be his true self.
Brownlie shines on some belting tracks (kudos to Hilary Brooks on keys), affectionately recalling his ‘wee maw’ and his transformation to become ‘queen of the island’, with the audience rooting for him all the way. Lyrically, though, he’s let down by some clunky, clichéd rhyming. And so many songs are squeezed into the hour, it’s a shame a little more breathing room isn’t left for Brownlie’s Steven to just speak directly to us, which he does with real heart when given the space.
Crocodile Rock, Gilded Balloon Teviot, until 31 August, 4.30pm.