First Look: The Broons
DC Thomson’s comic strip hits the stage
The new stage production based on DC Thomson’s 80 year-old comic strip, The Broons, had its press night at Perth Concert Hall last night, 29 September 2016.
And in keeping with the cartoon’s capacity to bring on guests, press night featured none-other than Susan Boyle, dashing across stage in a one-off brief cameo appearance.
Susan Boyle makes a surprise cameo appearance on press night of The Broons. Pic @HorsecrossPerth on Twitter.
Of course the heart of the show is Maw Broon, with Paw Broon in tow as she take care of her eight-strong family and old Grandpaw Broon.
We will review the show when it comes to The King’s on November 1. For the meantime, here are some production shots hot from the lens of the ever wonderful Tommy Ga-Ken Wan. And if you really can’t wait, you can read Thom Dibdin’s review in The Stage here: www.thestage.co.uk
Maw Broon (Joyce Falconer) and Paw Broon (Paul Riley) put the world to rights in The Broons, coming to the King’s in November. Photo: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan
While the rather cavernous venue of the Perth Concert Hall is more suited to big orchestras and highly orchestrated political rallies, it at least showed off Rob Drummond’s script to good effect.
Granpaw Broon (Kern Falconer) contemplates life, whisky and cabbages as The Twins (Kevin Lennon and Duncan Brown) prepare another escapade. Photo Tommy Ga-Ken Wan
There are a succession of strong performances from the 11-strong cast, too. All of whom act and play instruments in a show that is heavy on its musical offerings.
Hen (Tyler Colins) and Joe (John Kielty). Photo Tommy Ga-Ken Wan
If they can all sing more than adequately there is also a strong sense of physicality to their performances. Notably from lanky Tyler Colins as Hen.
Will Horace (Euan Bennet) take off into space? Photo: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan
With almost three hours to fill, there is plenty of room for all the different Broons to shine.
Jammy dodger… The Meenister (Kevin Lennon) Granpaw (Kern Falconer) and the Bairn (Maureen Carr). Photo: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan
There is also plenty of time for a succession of peripheral characters to make an appearance, from the Meenister to a host of aged relatives.
The production certainly captures the spirit and tone of the original. We are all looking forward to finding out what Broons aficionado Hugh Simpson makes of it when it comes to the King’s.
Listing:
DC Thomson’s The Broons
King’s Theatre, 2 Leven Street EH3 9LQ
Tuesday – Saturday 5 November 2016
Daily: 7.30pm; Matinees Wed 2 and Sat 5: 2.30pm.
Details and tickets from: http://www.edtheatres.com/thebroons
| DC Thomson’s The Broons on tour: | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tue 27 Sept – Sat 1 Oct | Perth Concert Hall |
01738 621031 | Book online |
| Mon 3 – Wed 5 Oct | Inverness Eden Court Theatre |
01463 234 234 | Book online |
| Thurs 6 – Sat 8 Oct | Kirkcaldy Adam Smith Theatre |
01592 583302 | Book online |
| Thurs 13 – Sat 15 Oct | Stirling Macrobert |
01786 466666 | Book online |
| Tue 18 – Sat 22 Oct | Aberdeen His Majesty’s Theatre |
01224 641122 | Book online |
| Mon 24 – Wed 26 Oct | Ayr Gaiety Theatre |
01292 288235 | Book online |
| Thurs 27 – Sat 29 Oct | Dundee Gardyne Theatre |
01382 434940 | Book online |
| Tue 1 – Sat 5 Nov | Edinburgh Kings Theatre |
0131 529 6000 | Book online |
| Mon 7 – Sat 12 Nov | Glasgow Theatre Royal |
0844 871 7647 | Book online |
Paw’s driving leaves a bit to be desired as the Broons set off to the But an’ Ben. Rear: Tyler Collins (Hen), Euan Bennet (Horace), Kim Allan (Maggie). Centre: Laura Szalecki (Daphne), John Kielty (Joe). Front: Paul Riley (Paw), Maureen Carr (Bairn), Joyce Falconer (Maw). Below: The Twins (Kevin Lennon and Duncan Brown). Photo: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan.
ENDS
