Safe

This company had performed this production as a play in 2023 and was based on actual events before, during, and after the Clydebank Blitz in 1941. Written by Allan and Janet Scott the production has been revisited and revamped by the addition of original songs and music to enhance the experience.

We start our story in Clydebank where we see Alec and Edith Dalgliesh, (very well played by Colin Wilson and Liz Black) pondering on whether their three children should be sent away as evacuees with the threat of bombing over Clydebank. Despite being torn over their decision they consider it will be for the best “just in case”.

The children Sandy, Mary and Lizzie were all played by adult actors (Gavin Millar, Rebecca Beck and Stephanie Drummond respectively) who represented the children excellently. Their mannerisms and dialogue suited the parts and fitted the characters superbly. They had not been out of a city environment in their lives and we see them adapting to the country life in Kirkcudbright over the period of the show.

They are billeted with Isobel “Belle” Kirkpatrick who, without her brother Davie knowing has offered to take in evacuees and agrees to take on the children to keep the family together. Davie her brother, is set in his ways and reluctant to take in any evacuees, runs the family farm and is a grumpy character and it is good to see him change over time to become more caring and family orientated. They are both superbly played by Joyce Reekie and Tommy Thomson. Into the mix we are also introduced to Dr James Campbell, who visits the farm to check up on the children and a romance ensues between him and Belle. Jason Reekie is an accomplished actor and he played this part very well.

We are also introduced to The Minister, played really well by a stalwart of this group, Jim Gordon and his evacuee administrator Judith Henry who was played by Cath Monk. Also in attendance we see the village “busybody” Nan along with shopkeeper Davina and Nan’s daughter Marigold. These three (Kay Potts, Alison Murdoch and Seren Campbell) display light-hearted relief as the “I’m not one to gossip” trio who know everything going on.

Life goes on, the children have settled and all seems to be going well until we hear that the parents want the children to return home as it is all peaceful on Clydeside with the war not affecting them too much. They visit to take the children home and everyone has an enjoyable day out and picnic before the family return to Clydebank.

Shortly afterwards the bombs fall and the family are caught up in it. They lose their home and narrowly escape with their lives. Jim, Cath and Seren doubled up as ARP Wardens and their description of the devastation in Clydebank over the 13th and 14th March 1941 was harrowing and poignant with the factual delivery supported by projections of the devastation being very emotional. As they are now homeless the family arrange to return to the countryside where they all help Belle and Davie to run the farm until the end of the war when we are told by the children how live goes on and everyone lives happily afterwards.

The characters are all strong and the casting excellent. Everyone played their roles very well and the dialogue was clear at all times. The addition of original songs and music excellently created by Allan Scott added to this production and the singing was top notch, with super harmonies throughout. I would have liked to see a list of the song titles in the programme.

The subject matter was very well researched and all the facts and figures presented excellently both through dialogue and music/song and the good use of projection during scene changes was very effective.

This musical brought home the reality of the war and how it affected the people who lived through it. A reality that most people in the audience will never have experienced or been able to comprehend. As well as being factual the musical was humorous, emotional and entertaining. All in all, a most educational evening bringing a difficult subject to the present generation and helping to appreciate how lucky we are to live in a relatively free society.

A most enjoyable reprise of the original production enhanced by the addition of the musical elements. Thank you once again to all at The Fullarton.

A huge well done to you all.

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