The Steamie

I have to confess to only once before having seen this little slice of Glasgow History — because there is definitely a Glasgow / West of Scotland slant to Tony Roper’s very funny script.  A compact piece, with just the five characters each of whom most people recognise in their acquaintance, if not friends and family.   Magrit (Catherine Brannan-Usher)  quite pushy but more refined, Doreen (Emma Louise Nisbet) quieter and caring,  Mrs. Culfeathers (Liz Mitchell) older and sometimes needing help and then Dolly (Elaine Wilkie), a bit of a leader, brash and devil-may-care, but determined that Hogmanay will not pass without comment and a wee celebration.  Each obviously happy in an eclectic bunch which meets regularly in the wash-house, ostensibly controlled by Andy (Andrew Rodger), not averse to a cuddle if he can get it.  The patter was great, as always the discussion about mince — particularly Galloway’s — must baffle some people not from the West, and with ‘gallus’ Dolly, beautifully depicted by Elaine causing gales of laughter, but there was pathos as well, with talk of husbands not necessarily helping, or indeed able to help.  The inevitable bottle is produced, to celebrate the New Year, and Andy has too much, and there’s a tear or two, not just of laughter. All in all, a perfect evening’s entertainment.  A new venue, the Hutcheson’s Grammar School Theatre was just a nice size, the excellent standing set portraying the scene perfectly, and this talented team gave an excellent performance.

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